Plaintain Bread

 

Sorry if I offend anyone, but the whole 'Paleo' diet movement really irritates me.  It's based on faulty reasoning and pseudo science.  That being said, I get it that it may be a very enjoyable and effective way for some people to lose weight and/or improve their immediate health.  The problem is, I think long-term health may not be maximized.  Why?  Because research links consumption of animal protein (which is a big part of the paleo diet) with chronic illness.  Beans and WHOLE grains, on the other hand are associated with lower risk of chronic illness.

Frankly, I think its just replaced the Atkins, and no doubt is at least an improvement on that, since it focuses on unprocessed foods and natural, uncured meats, but still.  I don't believe its a magic bullet for all our health whoas.

Anyways, I do think some great culinary ideas have come out of the Paleo movement.  One is the use of the plantain in baking.  I love plantains so when I started seeing recipes that use it in place of flour in baked goods, I was blown away.  The scientist in me was totally mesmerized by the notion that this fruit could stand in for flour.  I had to see for myself.

I started with a plain bread, because it seemed so simple.  Just a few ingredients really and the results are fabulous!  This totally blows my mind.  It really creates something with a taste and texture like something that contains flour!  Very cool.  I've now been experimenting with some other recipes, which will come soon, so stay tuned.

Plantain Bread

1 large, semi-ripe plantain
1/2 cup egg whites
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 droppers full of stevia liquid, or to taste (optional)
Pinch of cinnamon
Pinch of salt

Puree plantain in food processor.  Add remaining ingredients.  Blend for another few seconds.  Pour into parchment-lined muffin or mini-loaf tins. Bake at 325F for about 30 minutes.  Let cool completely and then remove from parchment.  Eat within 48 hours or freeze for future use.  Makes 2 mini loaves or 6 muffins.

I like these cut in half, lightly toasted or warmed and then smeared in chocolate almond butter (1 tbls almond butter + 1/2 tsp cocoa powder + dark chocolate stevia liquid).  Mmm!!

This recipe was shared with Vegetarian Mamma's Gluten-Free Friday.