I either crave something (ahem, hello brownies!), or I need to try some cool new ingredient/method I’ve seen, or there is something that needs to be used in my kitchen.
Like these buckwheat + oat granola bars for example. I had some figs that were looking pretty sad in my kitchen, on the verge of calling it quits and going bad on me. Not in my kitchen, no sir! Waste not, want not!
I didn’t want to simply make jam, I wanted something more, something special. So after much deliberation – as in, probably 1 minute – I decided that their fate was to become a fig jam in a granola bar.
That was what they were born to become, and I was just helping them fulfil their destiny. So altruistic of me isn’t it?
Well I’m so glad I did, because these bars turned out delicious!
It has a slight nuttiness from the buckwheat that pairs perfectly with the subtle sweetness of the figs. The oats on top provide a lovely texture, and the chia seeds amp up the fibre and good fats.
The quickie fig + chia jam is not overly sweet (though you can make it so if you want), and is the perfect contrast to the crumble-like topping of the granola bars.
The fact that these are bars makes it sooo easy to just grab one and head out the door in the morning, but when I do have time I just love having it crumbled into a bowl, topped with some milk or coconut yoghurt, and maybe some chopped banana.
These granola bars are made from oats and buckwheat and filled with a super simple fig jam, making them perfect as a grab-n-go snack, or even crumbled on top of some yoghurt for a delicious breakfast!
Author: Teffy Perk
Recipe type: Gluten Free, Vegan, Healthy, Snack
Serves: 6 bars
Ingredients
Quickie Fig + Ginger Jam
5-6 large figs
1 thumb sized piece of ginger, grated
½ lemon, juiced and zested
3 tablespoons chia seeds
Granola Bars
75g oat flour
60g buckwheat flour
1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
¼ teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons coconut sugar
Pinch of pink Himalayan or sea salt
40g oats plus 2 tablespoons, for sprinkling
125ml nut milk
2 tablespoons nut butter (I used hazelnut)
½ lemon, juiced and zested
1 teaspoon vanilla powder or extract
1 serving quickie fig + ginger jam
½ tablespoon desiccated coconut
Instructions
For the Jam
Wash and trim the tops off your figs and add to a food processor along the grated ginger and the lemon. Blend until the figs are broken down then transfer to a bowl. They should be quite liquid-y.
Stir in your chia seeds and place in the fridge to set, as the chia seeds become a gel your figs will become a jam!
For the Bars
Pre-heat your oven to 175ºC/350ºF and line a baking tray with baking parchment.
In a large bowl, combine your oat and buckwheat flour with the ground flaxseeds, baking soda, coconut sugar, the oats, and salt.
In a separate small bowl mix together your almond milk, nut butter, lemon juice and zest, and vanilla. Gently pour into the large bowl and mix everything together. It should form a rather sticky dough, so if yours is too dry add a tablespoon more milk.
Lightly add ⅔ of the mixture onto the lined baking tray, lightly wet your hands, and press the mixture down as evenly as you can. Try and keep it 1 centimetres in height.
Spoon and evenly spread your fig and ginger jam on top, and them lightly wet your hands again and crumble the remaining oat-y mixture over the jam and press down lightly. Sprinkle the rolled oats and the desiccated coconut on top and place in the oven.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is nicely golden but not burnt.
Let cool before slicing up and store in the fridge!
Notes
FLOURS - I make my own flours by grinding the oats, flax seeds, and activated buckwheat in a spice grinder. You could also do it in a food processor or simply buy them pre-ground!
JAM - If you don’t have a food processor, simply heat the figs with the lemon and ginger on a small pan in the stove until they’re soft enough to break down and mash with a spoon or fork. Let cool for a bit then stir in the chia seeds and let set in the fridge to thicken.
SWEETEN - I haven't made mine overly sweet, so if you've got a sweet tooth add some more coconut sugar and some maple syrup to the jam.
Hi, I'm Teffy, a qualified Nutritionist and avid foodie. This blog is all about inspiring a balanced life through delicious and wholesome foods, with not a diet in sight. Healthy eating shouldn't be hard and stressful, it should be easy and fun - Working with my clients they are constantly amazed that yes, food can taste great AND be good for you!