After making protein bars with protein powder in them I wanted to figure out a different sort of "protein bar" that doesn't have the same highly refined protein powder in them. So, I came up with the idea to sprout mung beans and use them in baking. They are so very easy (and inexpensive) to sprout at home.
You can use canned pumpkin or you can roast it yourself. I have some saved in the freezer in containers like this to take out when needed:
The combination of subtle pumpkin spice, cranberry and crunchy walnuts makes for a delicious snack food (or, a healthy dessert!). I just love how the cranberries pop open during baking to spread their flavor. If you blend the mung sprouts very smooth you cannot tell they are in the batter. Though these are not vegan, perhaps you might be able to use egg replacer. Let me know if you try it!
Ingredients:
4 eggs
1/2 cup pureed pumpkin
3 1/2 cups sprouted mung beans
1/2 cup coconut flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tbs oil (sesame, olive, coconut, or almond)
3/4 cup almond milk
1 tbs vanilla extract
1 tbs cinnamon
1/2 tbs nutmeg
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2-1 tbs chopped fresh ginger (or less dry)
stevia powder, to taste preference
1/2-1 cup fresh cranberries
1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
Directions:
Blend all the ingredients, except the cranberries and walnuts, in a food processor or blender.
Pour batter in a greased 9x9 baking pan and sprinkle the walnuts and cranberries evenly across the top. Press walnuts and cranberries lightly into batter using a spatula.
Place in an oven preheated to 350 degrees and bake approximately 40 minutes. You can test to see if it's done by carefully sticking a knife into the middle; if it comes out clean it's done.
Allow to cool and cut into bars. These are delicious still warm or cool from the fridge. You can store in the fridge for several days or place in a freezer-safe container and keep there to take out a bar when you need an energy boost during the day.
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