Living at a time when food is relatively abundant (for some in the world) the French seem to have an admirable, balanced relationship with food. Their diet includes breads, butter, cream, rich pastries—which they do not deny themselves—and yet they are not obese (for the most part). There are many books trying to unravel why this is the case. Would it be their moderation?
But brioches and ganaches aside, it is nice to have a few “healthy” cake recipes in one’s repertoire. This mug cake is genuinely healthy. Oats instead of refined white flour, honey instead of sugar, and amazingly, no oil or butter. It does have a whole egg in it which is a protein boost and is filling. And following the French philosophy, it is in a moderate quantity. However, this is by no means a French recipe.
Tip
1. Grind a large batch of oats in the blender to have quick access to oat flour.
2. Each microwave has different wattage. A 1200 watt microwave may need a minute while an old 800 watt microwave like ours might take a little longer. If it is still wet in the centre, keep adding 10 second intervals, while keeping a close eye on it that it doesn’t spill over.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup oats or oat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 Tablespoon honey (or 1 teaspoon sugar)
- pinch of cinnamon or cardamom
- 2 Tablespoons mashed banana (about a 1/2 of a banana)
- 2 Tablespoons yoghurt or mala
- 1 egg
- squeeze of lemon juice or vanilla
- 2 Tablespoons milk (or water)
- 2 squares of chocolate chopped (optional)
Directions
Method 1: In a blender, throw in 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 Tablespoon honey, pinch of cinnamon, 1/2 banana, 2 Tablespoons yoghurt, 1 egg, 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice or vanilla extract, 2 Tablespoons milk (or water). Blitz until smooth. Transfer into a large mug.Method 2: In a large mug mix with a fork until combined: 1/2 cup oat flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 Tablespoon honey, pinch of cinnamon, 2 Tablespoons mashed banana, 2 Tablespoons yoghurt, 1 beaten egg, 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice or vanilla extract, 2 Tablespoons milk (or water).
Roughly chop the chocolate and add to the mug and mix.
Microwave for 1 minute. If it is still wet in the centre, keep adding 10 second intervals keeping a close eye on it so that it doesn’t spill over. It is ready when a knife inserted in the centre comes out clean. Slice the remaining banana and eat with the muffin.