Banana and Veggie Bread

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I’ve made this a few times now and not only has it been a big hit with my 10 month old (and my other half who is a MASSIVE banana bread fan) but it has helped me get her fed when I’m on the move or simply don’t have much time to cook. This is a recipe adapted from one I found online in a baby group some time ago. I’m not sure who came up with the original recipe but I’m very pleased to have come across it. Although there’s no added sugar, the sweetness from the bananas helps ensure that the hidden veggies are consumed without any protests.

The loaf is lovely when fresh but I usually cut it up into slices and then separate each slice with parchment and wrap it in tinfoil and pop it in the freezer. This means I can defrost a slice or two whenever I need a quick meal for my little one!

Ingredients

• 1½ cups flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp cinnamon or mixed spice

• 2 ripe bananas

• ½ courgette, grated

• 1 carrot, grated

• 2 eggs

• 4 tbsp olive oil

• Milk of your choice, if needed

My Ninja Food MAX Health Grill and Air Fryer has been a game changer when I want to cook quick food for my little one!

Method

Preheat your oven to 180°C/160°C fan/360°F and prep a 450g/1lb loaf tin with some baking parchment, oiled if necessary.

In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon or mixed spice then pop this to one side.

Now in another bowl, give the bananas a good mash before adding in the grated vegetables, eggs and oil. Mix it up until it's well blended. Then combine with the flour mixture and give it a good stir.

If the mixture seems a bit dry, just add a splash or two of milk to keep things nice and moist.

Pour this into your waiting cake tin and pop it in the oven for around 40 minutes. All ovens vary so you may have to modify this cooking time or oven temperature slightly so that it’s right for you and your equipment. You’re looking for a beautiful golden top and a perfectly cooked-through center. Stick a cocktail stick in and if it comes out clean, you're good to go! I use my Ninja Foodi MAX Health Grill and Air Fryer on bake mode because it’s so much faster to pre-heat than my oven (to be honest, I barely ever use my oven any more since I bought this!).

Once your cake his done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before turning it out onto a wire cooling rack.

This banana and veggie bread is a winner! It'll stay fresh and yummy for around 4 days in an airtight container and, as mentioned above, it freezes like a champ! So, bake a little extra, chop it up and freeze it so you can save some for a time when you’re in the trenches!

I hope you enjoy it as much as my little one does.