Food for thought (literally)

Did you know that food has the power to feed and fuel your brain? It's true! 

So whether you're smashing through late-night revision, back-to-back lectures, or a group project, what you eat can seriously impact your focus and energy. That's why we've put together a digital cookbook filled with nutritious and delicious recipes that can feed your brain (and your belly). 

Energy balls 🍫

With slow-releasing oats, these snacks will keep you energised until your next meal. 

INGREDIENTS

• 250g Medjool dates
• 60g oats
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 6 tbsp mixed seeds
• 25g cocoa powder
• 45g shaved coconut
• 1 tsp cinnamon

METHOD

1. Place the oats and half the coconut into a food blender and pulse together until finely ground. 
2. Add the dates, cocoa, cinnamon, mixed seeds and maple syrup to the blender and pulse until it all comes together in a dough-like mixture that holds together when you make a ball. If it isn't coming together, add a few drops of maple syrup and pulse again. 
3. Roll the dough into 18 one-inch balls.
4. To finish, roll the balls in the rest of the desiccated coconut. 

Mexican black bean nachos 🫘

With plenty of protein from the black beans, brain-powering healthy fats from the avocado, carbs to keep you fuller for longer in the tortilla chips, and with a veggie-packed salsa an added peas to the guacamole, this is a very well-balanced dish to help you focus on your studies. 

INGREDIENTS

• 240g black beans
• 6g fajita seasoning
• 10g double cream/plant cream
• 1g salt
• 56g tortilla chips
• 1 lime
• Guacamole
• Salsa

METHOD

1. Put the drained beans in a blender with the fajita spice mix, cream and a pinch of salt. Pulse until well mixed. 
2. Scoop out onto a plate and spread evenly. 
3. Finish your dish with a dollop of salsa and guacamole on your plate, scatter your corn chips around the edges and add some lime wedges for extra zing. 

Find out how to make your own corn tortilla chips and guacamole from scratch!

Vegan chocolate beetroot brownie 🫜

Beetroot is a great source of vitamin C, iron and potassium and dark chocolate is full of antioxidants, all which have positive health benefits. 

INGREDIENTS

• 210g plain flour
• 160g caster sugar
• 25g cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 200g beetroot puree
• 165g dark chocolate
• 65g vegetable oil
• 45g oat milk

METHOD

1. Melt the chocolate, add the beetroot and vegetable oil, then mix well and set aside. 
2. Mix together all dried ingredients in a separate bowl. 
3. Mix the beetroot and chocolate mix into the dried ingredients until smooth, then fold in the oat milk. 
4. Pour into a lined gastro/deep-pan tray and bake in the oven at 170ºC for 15-18 minutes. 
5. Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tray. 
6. Once cool, slice and serve. 

For more cooking inspiration, check out other recipes by our chefs, students and more!

Contact:

Find more delicious recipes @ualcatering