Chocolate + Avocado Mousse Recipe

This Chocolate and Avocado Mousse is rich and decadent but because it's made with wholesome ingredients, it also nourishes the gut microbiome.

Our gut microbiome describes the balance of bacteria that live there including both beneficial and non-beneficial bacteria The two main beneficial bacteria that live in our gut that you are likely to have heard of are probiotics and prebiotics:

1. Probiotics are live bacteria found in foods like Greek yoghurt, sourdough and kombucha. Once ingested, they provide the gut with the live bacteria.

2. Prebiotics are found in colourful vegetables and fruits as well as fibre-rich foods such as wholegrains and legumes. Prebiotics are FOOD for probiotics!

I was kindly sent some Yacon concentrate from Yacon New Zealand and it is especially high in a well-known prebiotic called fructose-oligosaccharides (FOS). You can use it in place of honey or pure maple syrup in raw recipes such as this one to support gut health and optimal wellbeing. Remember our gut health affects our overall health so it's an important area to nourish. Happy eating!

Chocolate + Avocado Mousse Recipe – serves ~8 (you could halve the recipe too)

Gluten-free, Dairy-free

Ingredients

•2 x ripe avocados, roughly chopped

•1 cup good-quality thick coconut cream (just use the thick part of the can only)

•1 tsp vanilla extract

•1/3 cup cocoa powder, sifted

•12 pitted, dried dates soaked in boiling water for 5 minutes and then drained with water squeezed out

•Pinch sea salt •1-2 Tbspn Yacon concentrate (or use Pure Maple Syrup instead)

•To serve: Toasted nuts/seeds/orange or citrus zest, desiccated coconut…

Method

1. Place the avocados, coconut cream, cocoa powder, softened dates, sea salt and Yacon concentrate into a food processor and process until smooth (don’t over process or it can separate).

2. Spoon into serving bowls/cups and sprinkle over desired toppings

NB; The base mousse recipe will keep in the fridge for up to two days if covered or stored in an air-tight container.

This recipe has been included by Twinkl among their top picks for 7+ Healthy Lunch Box Ideas for Vegetarian October.