Pistachio Butter & Chickpea Blondies

We talk a lot about balancing blood sugar, calming cravings, and supporting hormones whilst we deprive ourselves of sugar. Many women I work with come in holding patterns around sugar, either swinging between restriction and bingeing, or feeling guilt after mid afternoon sweet hits.

What determines whether something supports your body or dysregulates it is the matrix it comes in, not the sugar. Meaning the union of fibre, fat, protein and micronutrients.

Adding a little pistachio butter to any dessert adds in minerals, fibre and helps our neurotransmitter GABA which in turn supports our mood. Chickpeas add fibre and resistance starch to help with blood sugar balance, and you won't even taste them. This is a perfect little recipe as you go into the luteal phase of your period cycle.

Why Pistachios?

Pistachios are one of the higher fibre nuts. Fibre slows glucose release into the blood, feeds our gut microbes, and reduces those classic boom-and-bust sugar cravings many women feel in the afternoon or around PMS. Pistachios contain vitamin B6, a co-factor in nearly every neurotransmitter pathway from serotonin (for mood) to GABA (for calm).

Key Minerals

• Magnesium for insulin sensitivity and relaxation
• Potassium for nerve-muscle communication
• Iron and copper for oxygen delivery and energy

The Recipe

Makes: 12 blondies  ·  Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 3 tbsp pistachio butter
• 3 tbsp maple syrup or raw honey
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of sea salt
• Optional: dark chocolate chips or chopped pistachios to top

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180C. Line a small baking tin with parchment.
2. Blend chickpeas until smooth. Add pistachio butter, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla, baking powder and salt. Blend again.
3. Pour into the tin. Scatter chocolate chips or pistachios on top.
4. Bake 20 to 22 minutes until golden and just set. Cool before slicing.

Store in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to a month.