Low-GI Blueberry, Walnut & Oat Bran Muffins

  • Prep time: 20 minutes
  • Cook time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins

  • 50g split red lentils
  • 25g oat bran
  • Plus 250ml water for boiling

The Dry Ingredients:

  • 180g whole spelt flour
  • 95g coconut sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp salt

The Wet Ingredients & Mix-ins:

  • 125g milk (or unsweetened almond/soy milk)
  • 1 large egg
  • 55g melted butter or canola oil
  • 150g fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw if frozen)
  • 55g walnuts, roughly chopped


Method

  1. Prep the Oven and Tin:
    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C / Gas Mark 6). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. Cook the Base:
    In a medium saucepan, combine the split red lentils, oat bran, and 1 cup (250 mL) of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir frequently so it doesn’t stick. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes until the water is completely absorbed and the mixture forms a thick, smooth paste.
  3. Cool:
    Remove from the heat and let the lentil and oat bran mixture cool down completely to a lukewarm temperature.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole spelt flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
    Once the lentil-oat bran mixture is cool, stir the milk, egg, and melted butter (or oil) directly into it until smooth.
  6. Mix the Batter:
    Pour the wet lentil mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the blueberries and the chopped walnuts. Stir gently with a spatula just until combined. The batter should look thick and slightly lumpy.
  7. Bake:
    Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Bake for 20 minutes. To test if they are done, gently press the centre of a muffin top; it should spring back lightly, or a toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean.
  8. Cool:
    Let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.