Ramadan food: Coconut banana muffins

Healthy fast - Suhoor
Suhoor is the most important meal of the day during Ramadan as it is the fuel to get you through a day of fasting. Since most of us eat Suhoor just before Fajr, it also needs to be quick and easy to prepare. This makes it tempting to reach for a bowl of sugary cereal or a pastry, but these high-carb, low-protein options will have you feeling hunger pains long before Magrib. Instead, try this make-ahead, protein and fibre-packed option. When you just have to have sweet, balance it out with fibre and protein, as with these wonderful bake-ahead muffins that can last you all week. Eat alongside yoghurt and a piece of fruit for a complete meal.

Coconut Banana Muffins
(Yields 10 to 11 muffins)

Ingredients
1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon table salt
1 tablespoon sugar
Zest of 1/2 lemon, finely chopped
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
1 cup mashed ripe banana
1/4 cup honey
1 large egg, preferably at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, divided

Method
Preheat oven to 190°C. Grease a muffin tin or line the tin with muffin liners (note that this recipe produces about 10 to 11 muffins).
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and lemon zest. Stir in 1/2 cup shredded coconut. In a separate bowl, whisk together coconut oil, mashed banana, honey, egg, and vanilla.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (don’t overmix).
Divide batter among prepared muffin cups, then sprinkle with shredded coconut and bake.