Hello hello! So I hope that January is treating you well and that you’ve enjoyed my last two blog posts where I shared 3 healthy recipes using whole-grains and 2 healthy recipes using lamb. This week I wanted to carry on the theme of ‘healthy recipes’ but this time using California Raisins. I really hope this blog post inspires you to get creative with raisins in the kitchen; do let me know which is your favourite recipe and if you make any of them!
California raisins are a fantastic source of fibre, potassium and iron and they also provide slow release energy; raisins have a medium glycemic index. And as well as being a handy, healthy snack for on the go, raisins also go great in both sweet and savoury recipes; as you’ll see in this blog post and the video below!
California Raisins have no added sugar and they have an amazing caramelised sweet flavour, which they get from being naturally sun-dried. Just 30g counts as 1 of your 5 a day too!
So if you’re wondering how you can use California raisins in your meals, rather than just as a snack, carry on reading!
- For a Breakfast on the Go: No Bake Date & California Raisins Energy Bites
- Makes 12 bites
- Ready in 40 minutes
Ingredients: 100g California raisins, 50g pitted dried dates, 20g desiccated coconut, 20g cashew/pistachio nuts, 28g rolled oats, 30g coconut oil (melted), 5ml (1 tsp) vanilla essence – optional and 30ml (2 tbsp) warm water.
Method: 1) Add all of the ingredients to a food processor (nuts first to break them up), minus the water and blend for 1-2 minutes, 2) Add the water and blend again until all of the ingredients combine, 3) Using dampish hands/fingers scoop out a heaped tbsp of the mixture, roll it into a ball shape (optional – roll in extra desiccated coconut) and place on to a grease proof paper or in a paper bun case on a flat removable surface e.g. a plate, repeat until all of the mixture is used up .. & try not to eat them as you do this 😉 4) Pop your no-bake bites into the fridge and allow them to ‘chill’ for 20-30 minutes before serving or keep them in the fridge for later!
Calories per bite: 79 kcal
- For a Light Lunch: Chickpea, Avocado & California Raisin Salad Wrap
- Serves 1
- Ready in 10 minutes
Ingredients: Wholemeal wrap, 1/4-1/2 smashed avocado, cucumber strips (use a vegetable peeler for this), cherry tomato halves, 2 tbsp Greek yoghurt, handful of cooked chickpeas, 15g California raisins and 1 tsp paprika.
Method: 1) Grap your wholemeal wrap & add your smashed avocado to the middle along with the cucumber strips & cherry tomatoes 2) Mix together the Greek yoghurt with the chickpeas, raisins and paprika before adding it on top of the salad 3) Roll up your wrap and serve it with a side of rocket (my choice!).
Calories per filled wrap: 325 kcal
- A Healthy Evening Meal: Kashmiri Curry with California Raisins and Cashew Nuts
- Serves 4
- Ready in 30 minutes
Ingredients: 2 tbsp rapeseed oil, 4-500g chicken breast (diced), 1 onion (diced), 400g chopped tinned tomatoes, 1 small jar Kashmiri Masala Curry Spice Paste, 2 heaped dessert spoons of Greek Yoghurt, 75g California Raisins, 1 large handful cashew nuts, 2 small handfuls fresh coriander, chopped.
Method: 1) Heat the oil in a pan and fry the diced onions for 2 minutes 2) Add the diced chicken and cook until browned 3) Add the Kashmiri Masala Curry Spice Paste and stir in the chopped tomatoes; allow to simmer until the chicken is cooked; add tomato puree or water to thin out the sauce if needed 4) Add the Greek yoghurt and stir well before adding the cashew nuts and raisins 5) Serve with piping hot rice or cauliflower rice, and garnish with fresh coriander and additional raisins and cashews.
Calories per serving: 480 kcal
Image by Fields Photography London.
When shopping check on the pack as California raisins will say grown in California/USA. For more information about California raisins visit californiaraisins.co.uk or find them on Twitter @CalRaisinsUK and Facebook @CalRaisinsUK.
Do let me know if you give any of these recipes ago!
*This blog was written in collaboration with California raisins. All words and recipes are my own. Please read my disclaimer page for more information about brand collaborations.
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