VEGAN SEED BREAD

((https://runningonrealfood.com/seed-bread/print/27660/)
This delicious, hearty, dense seed loaf is packed with fiber, protein and healthy fats.
It is low-carb  with a nutty, earthy flavour and chewy texture 

INGREDIENTS
1 cup (150 g) raw sunflower seeds
1/2 cup (80 g) pepitas (raw pumpkin seeds)
1/2 cup (approx. 70 g) mixed seeds of choice (choose from hemp seeds, more raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas) and sesame seeds)
1/4 cup (30 g) ground flaxseed
1/4 cup (45 g) chia seeds
1/4 cup (45 g) psyllium husk powder – this is the binder for the bread! (double if just husks)
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp powdered stevia or 10-20 drops liquid stevia (optional but recommended, see notes for alternatives)
1/4 cup (60 g) Tahini
1.25 cup water (295 mL)

INSTRUCTIONS
1.  Preheat the oven to 190 C FF.  Line loaf pan (8.5 x 4.5 x 2.5 in) with parchment paper (with ends sticking out over the sides so you can lift it out of the pan).

2.  All into a large mixing bowl except the tahini & water – stir to combine. Add tahini & water, stir into a thick, doughy paste.

3.  Place into a lined loaf pan – spread evenly/press with hands into pan until flat. Bake 50 mins.
If you tap the loaf and it sounds hollow, it’s done. If not, return to the oven for a little longer.

4.  Remove from oven. Let sit 2 mins then use parchment paper to lift the loaf out of the pan. (You may need to run a knife along the edges that don’t have parchment paper covering them).

5.  Let cool on a cooling rack for 15 minutes before slicing into 12-14 slices. Store in an airtight container the fridge for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 3 months.

6.  It will keep in the fridge for 1 week or can be frozen for up to 3 months. It is perfect for toasting!

NOTES

A mix of finely chopped nuts – almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts or pecans can replace up to 1 cup of the seeds. Made with walnuts is delicious too!

The stevia is optional but I find a hint of sweetness really improves the final taste. Alternatives include monk fruit sweetener to keep it sugar-free, otherwise maple syrup or coconut sugar.

GRILLED EGGPLANT SALAD WITH QUINOA, ZUCCHINI AND TAHINI YOGHURT DRESSING

A delicious, filling, nutritious salad with smokey grilled eggplant and a creamy tahini dressing  –  it’s a good one! This salad is pretty easy to make, and if it’s a hot day it’s the perfect vegetarian thing to cook on the barbecue. Even if you’re not vegetarian and are having a barbecue throw the eggplant on while you’re resting your meat and you have an impressive vegetable laden salad to share as a side. I love grating zucchini into grain salads, it’s a great way to get some extra vegetables in and also adds moisture, so your grains won’t end up dry.  Serves 6 as a side

Ingredients
1 eggplant
1 tsp salt
Olive oil for brushing eggplant
2 cups cooked quinoa
1 zucchini, finely grated
3 cups baby spinach
1/2 cup spring onion or red onion
3 Tbs mixed seeds (sesame, sunflower, pumpkin, flaxseed – whatever you have)
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 Tab Tahini
1/2 cup yoghurt
1 tsp honey
1 tsp chilli flakes
rosemary for oil brush

Slice eggplant into 5mm thick rounds. Salt and set aside. Squeeze the grated zucchini to remove the excess moisture – you can use muslin, a new chux cloth or just your hands.

Combine quinoa, spinach, zucchini, onion and seeds and toss.

Make dressing: Add tahini and yoghurt to a small bowl and stir well to combine. Add honey, lemon juice and zest and chilli flakes. Stir well and set aside.

Heat a grill plate or bbq, brush the eggplant slices lightly with olive oil on one side. Place oiled side down on the hot grill and cook for a few minutes or until grill marks have appeared. Brush the non grilled side with olive oil and flip. Continue cooking until eggplant is soft and tender.

Remove. You can serve it hot or cold.

To serve:  Mix eggplant with prepared salad. drizzle over dressing. Serve extra dressing on side.

Tip: I use rosemary as my oil brush!