It's another one ingredient lockdown challenge!

She's turned sweet potatoes into chocolate brownies and has been known to turn chickpeas into sticky toffee pudding! 

But what can our 'Food Fairy Godmother' do with one of our favourite, cost effective, and nutritious ingredients? We asked her to turn a bunch of spinach into something delicious and nutritious! As usual, she smashed it out of the park!

Last week she gave us two incredible recipes! Listen here: Winter is officially here and it's time for soup!

Listen here: 

Smoky chicken and butternut mini breakfast quiches 

Prep time: 15 minutes

Baking time: 20 minutes

Servings: 6 mini quiches

Crust

180 g almond flour plus extra for dusting

4 tsp raw honey

2 tsp water

¾ tsp Oryx desert salt

¼ tsp ground black pepper plus extra for garnishing 

1 tsp dried parsley 

Filling

50 g spinach

200 g butternut, peeled and diced

olive oil

1 medium red salad onion, finely chopped 

2 chicken fillets, diced

1 Tbsp raw honey

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp dried parsley

½ tsp Oryx desert salt

9 eggs

(Add sun-dried tomato for a tangy twist!

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C and spray 6 mini quiche pans with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Prepare the crust by combining all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Scoop 2 heaped Tbsp into each quiche pan, distribute evenly and press down firmly to form a dense crust. Set aside.
3. Wilt the spinach until soft in a saucepan of boiling water. Drain well and squeeze out all of the water.
4. On the stove or in the microwave, steam the butternut until soft. 
5. Heat a little olive oil in a frying pan and brown the onion. Add the chicken and fry until all of the meat is white. Add the honey, paprika, parsley and salt and mix well.
6. Divide the spinach and butternut between the quiche pans and then top with the chicken mixture.
7. Whisk the eggs until fluffy and pour over the quiches, filling the pans.
8. Bake for 20 minutes.
9. Remove from the oven, drizzle with olive oil and allow to cool before removing the quiches from the pans. Dust each with a little almond flour and finish off with a crack of black pepper

Note: To make 1 large quiche, use a 23 cm quiche pan or pie dish and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Lunchbox Approved

Roadtripping Approved

Breakfast on the Go Approved

Light Lunch with a salad Approved

Why are we making use of these ingredients:

Olive Oil

We all have our reasons why we prefer certain oils, but without a doubt my oil base of choice is olive oil, specifically for its amazing health benefits. Olive oil helps reduce inflammation and prevent osteoporosis, and is essential for bone health because it assists in the absorption of calcium and the mineralisation of bones, all of which are qualities I look for in a product, given my hip dysplasia and related joint pain.

Red Onion

I prefer red salad onions for their slightly sweet taste and the burst of colour they add to dishes. Onions are a natural antibiotic and antiseptic, so are a big YES, especially in winter. They purify the blood, regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestion. They are also anti-inflammatory. In addition to fresh onions, in my pantry you will find dried onion powder and flakes.

Spinach

An anti-inflammatory, immune boosting, high in fibre and antioxidants, spinach strengthens bones and helps the brain and nervous system function. 

Butternut

Butternut is an anti-inflammatory rich in vitamin C and slow-digesting carbohydrates, which makes it one of my favourite vegetables. It is also highly alkaline, lowers cholesterol and boosts immune function.

Oryx Salt

What is the purpose of adding salt during cooking? It’s to enhance flavour, right? So why not start by using a good-quality salt to do the job? Sun-dried and unrefined with no additives will bring out the best in your food in the healthiest way possible.

Ground Black Pepper

Why do we add pepper to our food? When I ask this during cooking demonstrations, I always get the most interesting answers, but mostly people cannot tell me why they add pepper to their meals. My reason? It increases nutrient absorption and improves digestion, so you can get the most out of every meal, every time.

Paprika

Smoked or sweet, paprika is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and high in vitamin C. It helps ease arthritis and joint pain, and aids in iron and antioxidant absorption.

Raw Honey

Salt needs sweet and vice versa to enhance taste and flavour. So when you add sweetness, choose a sweetness that has a healing effect on your body and health. Raw honey is antiviral and anti-fungal, and contains powerful antioxidants. Its helps ward off allergies, stabilise blood pressure and balance blood sugar levels. It also boosts the immune system and promotes digestive health.

Almond Flour

Whether in the form of milk, flour, butter or flakes, almonds are packed with nutritional benefits. They boost the immune system, help repair damaged skin, help prevent cancer, reduce the risk of osteoporosis and have alkalising properties. They are also a source of vitamin E, magnesium and high-quality protein. 

Parsley

Parsley is so much more than just a garnish; it packs an unsuspecting nutritional punch. High in vitamins A and C and calcium, it is anti-inflammatory, improves bone health, is a blood purifier and boosts the immune system.

Another one ingredient challenge: What's in your fridge?

If you would like Izelle to use your ingredient idea to create a recipe that the whole family will love, send us a message on our Facebook page or leave a comment here and you could win a copy of her eBook - 'Mindful Eating'! 

You can also buy your copy here!