Secret Ingredient Breakfast Bars

So filling, so delicious, so easy to make and super healthy – what’s not to love! The secret ingredient is … beans! Which add a whole load of extra fibre and protein, help keeping you nice and full ‘till lunchtime. These make the perfect on the go breakfast, or a yummy snack.

Just so you know, you can add beans to any of your fav cookie or cake recipe to make to extra nutritious, simply substitute 1 cup (180g) cooked white beans to 1 cup (120g) of flour.

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Ingredients:

1 tbsp. chia seeds 3 1⁄4 cups rolled oats 1 tsp. baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon fine sea salt 1 1⁄2 cups / 250 g cooked white beans, such as butterbeans or chickpeas 1⁄4 cup coconut oil, melted 1⁄4 cup pure maple syrup Grated zest of 1 organic orange 1⁄4 cup / 60 ml unsweetened applesauce 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1⁄3 cup / 60 g chopped unsulphured dried apricots 1⁄4 cup / 30 g raisins 1⁄4 cup / 35 g pumpkin seeds

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Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

2. Combine the chia seeds with 3 tablespoons water in a small bowl, and set aside for 15 minutes to gel.

3. Pulse 1 1⁄4 cups / 125 g of the oats in a food processor until they resemble a very rough flour. Transfer the flour to a large mixing bowl and whisk in the remaining 2 cups / 200 g oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

4. Pulse the beans with the coconut oil in the food processor until the mixture is creamy. Add the maple syrup, orange zest, chia gel, applesauce, and vanilla extract, and pulse until smooth.

5. Pour the bean puree over the oats mixture and stir until everything starts to come together. Add the apricots, raisins, pumpkin seeds, and stir to combine—you may need to use your hands at this point.

6. Shape the dough into 10 equal balls, and then flatten each one into a patty shape. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the bars are golden. Let cool completely.

7. The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 1 month.