Carob is a naturally sweet, caffeine-free alternative to cocoa. Derived from the pods of a tree that belongs to the legume family – the same family as chick peas, lentils, black beans and peanuts – carob powder is high in fibre, antioxidants and calcium. Traditionally used in the Mediterranean to treat digestive issues, carob has been found to regulate the gut microbiome, inhibiting overgrowth of pathogenic gut bacteria and helping to treat diarrhoea.

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked, drained aduki beans (small red beans)
1 cup pitted dates
1/3 cup carob powder
125 g blueberries
1/3 cup plant milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Method:

Blend all ingredients in a food processor or high-powered blender until smooth. Serve by itself…

or top it with fresh fruit, plant yoghurt, Cinnamon Crunch Granola or Apple Cinnamon Buckola… or all of them!