Gingerbread makeover: Why red beans are the secret ingredient
More and more people are seeking ideas for holiday baked goods that are not only sweet and delicious but also healthy. Last year, I was tempted to try a gingerbread with beans. This year, I'll make it again because it's better than the traditional version.
29 November 2024 07:16
The addition of red beans gives the gingerbread the perfect consistency. The beans do not alter the flavour of the cake but ensure its moisture. This way, every bite of the gingerbread melts in your mouth, allowing the spicy notes to stimulate the taste buds and delight the senses.
Why is it worth adding red beans to gingerbread?
It's all in the interest of my family's health. Beans are rich in fibre, which regulates bowel function and helps maintain proper blood sugar levels. They are also a source of plant protein, supporting the basic building blocks of tissues, especially for vegetarians.
The wealth of B vitamins positively affects the functioning of the nervous system, and their antioxidant properties combat free radicals.
Gingerbread spice from beans? It's worth making your own mix
Sometimes, I opt for a ready-made spice mix, but I've often found that a homemade gingerbread spice is far superior. It has a more intense flavour, more depth, and aroma.
What is worth grinding in a mortar? Reach for cardamom seeds, add cloves, 3 star anise, allspice, and a few black peppercorns. Mix the aromatic powder with ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
You can store the homemade gingerbread spice in a closed container for up to three months.
A simple recipe for gingerbread with red beans
If you want to bake gingerbread in a classic loaf tin, you will need the following ingredients:
- 400g plain flour,
- 20g canned red beans,
- 1 banana,
- 100g sugar,
- 100ml oil,
- 1.5 tablespoons gingerbread spice,
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder,
- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda,
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder,
- 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Preparation
- Put the canned beans, banana, sugar, and oil into a blender and blend until smooth.
- Mix the flour, gingerbread spice, cocoa, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl.
- Transfer the bean mixture to the dry ingredients and stir with a spoon.
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Transfer the batter to a loaf tin lined with parchment paper. Bake for 50 minutes.
This healthy gingerbread can be sliced and layered with homemade plum jam. It tastes wonderful, drizzled with melted dark chocolate. Additionally, you can decorate it with ground nuts or almond flakes.
