We recently rediscovered this slice, which used to be a staple on our house for years. It's funny how we go through recipes like that...make them and make them until suddenly everyone has had enough and we need to move on to the next thing. But I'm really glad that we're back on with this dish as it's so nourishing, easy to make, and lasts us the good part of a week.
This is a great option for breakfast over the warmer months when you don't feel like cooking oat porridge or as a lunchbox snack on school days. The high fibre and protein content will fill up those tummies and give energy to brain cells and muscles to keep up with the demands of the day.
Oats are often advertised for their soluble fibre content. This is what makes oats filling and allows the energy in them to be released slowly. The beta glucan (soluble fibre) present in oats reduced cholesterol and blood sugar levels, making it a superstar food for those who are concerned about heart disease and diabetes. In addition to this, oats contain a variety of trace minerals, such as selenium and manganese, as well as vitamin B1.
This slice is sweetened with fruit only...whole grated apple, mashed bananas and blueberries. Blueberries are often labeled a "superfood", a term which I personally like to stay away from as it is usually used for marketing and making money by "health food" companies. I believe that all real food is super food. All natural, seasonal, minimally processed food is full of nutrients and very beneficial for us. Blueberries do have a really strong nutrition profile: they're high in fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They have also been shown to increase insulin sensitivity, which is excellent for diabetes prevention and reversal, as well as being implicated in sustained weight loss.
The old saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" reflects the fact that the humble apple is also high in nutrients. They might not be as "in" and "sexy" as blueberries, but apples do have many health benefits, largely due to their high fibre, vitamin C and antioxidant content. Apples have also been shown to be beneficial for diabetes prevention as well as weight loss and heart health.
Bananas are full of nutrients, namely vitamins C and B6, potassium (important for healthy blood pressure), fibre and antioxidants. As bananas ripen, the sugars in them become more bioavailable, hence making them sweeter.
As you can see, this slice combines simple, real food and allows you to enjoy all the health benefits in a delicious way. Can't ask more than that!
Let me know how it goes for you and your family.
OAT AND BLUEBERRY SLICE
Ingredients
2 Granny Smith apples, grated with the skins on
2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
3 cups rolled oats
2 eggs
1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1) Preheat oven to 180C. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
2) Pour the mixture into a lined 20 x 30 cm baking dish and flatten with the back of a spoon.
3) Bake for 30 minutes, until golden on the top and browning around the edges.
4) Enjoy warm or cooled. Will store, refrigerated, for 5-7 days.