pumpkin-polenta-yoghurt-muffins_nourishWant to hide some vegies in your next batch of muffins & enjoy a nutritious and delicious snack with no added sugar?

Try this quick, tasty muffin recipe with a twist, which is rich in antioxidants, fibre and is really quite satisfying.

Pumpkin is the key ingredient here making these muffins naturally sweet & a rich source of Beta Carotene & some Vitamin C (which are known antioxidants, so help protect cells from damage which contribute to aging & disease). Beta Carotene converts to Vitamin A in the liver & is important for eye & skin health and for a strong immune system, among other things.

Pumpkin is also a great source of potassium (important for healthy blood pressure) & a source of fibre. Wholemeal flour adds to the nutrients and fibre, helping to stabilise blood sugar & keep us feeling fuller for longer.

Polenta is made from milled yellow corn & helps to add texture & weight to these muffins. It’s really no healthier than wholemeal flour, although it does contain reasonable amounts of Beta Carotene & contains trace amounts of iron and Vitamin C & is slightly lower in calories & carbs than wheat flour. Polenta is also gluten free, so to make these muffins completely gluten free, use a gluten free flour in place of the wholemeal SR flour. Try buckwheat, teff or amaranth flour for a higher fibre, higher protein, gluten free version.

Natural yoghurt provides calcium and helps keep these muffins soft & moist.

Ingredients

400g pumpkin, peeled & cut into 4cm pieces

1.5 cups wholemeal self-raising flour

1 cup instant polenta

2 tbs pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

1 cup low fat plain natural yoghurt

2 eggs

2 tbs oil (olive or rice bran)

Directions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees. Lightly spray a muffin pan with olive oil spray.
  2. Steam pumpkin until soft. Place in food processor & blitz until smooth.
  3. Add yoghurt, eggs & oil to pumpkin in food processor & wiz until combined.
  4. Add flour, polenta & 1 tbs pepitas to food processor & gently stir until just combined.
  5. Divide batter among muffin holes & scatter remaining pepitas over the top.
  6. Bake for 18-20 mins or until they spring back when lightly touched.
  7. Transfer to wire rack to cool.

Modifications: Add 1 tsp cinnamon or mixed spice to the flour for a sweeter version. Or add chopped herbs & other vegies to make a more savoury version. To increase the protein & healthy fats, content you could add 1-2 tbs of almond meal or ground LSA (Linseeds, Sunflower seeds & Almonds – from the health food aisle of the supermarket).

Makes at least 12-15 muffins.