Nistisima Paximadia (Vegan Biscotti) is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth during Orthodox Lent. Made by substituting bananas in lieu of dairy products, this treat is arguably better than the real thing.
Vegan Paximadia
Author: Eleni Saltas
Recipe type: Vegan/Dessert
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4 loaves
Ingredients
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup orange juice*
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 small overripe banana
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 5-5 ½ cups sifted flour
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips or almonds, or a combo of the two (if preferred)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease two baking sheets and set aside.
- Peel the banana and mash well into a large mixing bowl.
- Add vegetable oil, orange juice, sugar, and vanilla to the bowl and beat well with a whisk or an electric hand mixer. Beat well until smooth.
- Sift dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder) and add slowly fold into mixing bowl with a rubber spatula. Make sure the ingredients are combined until a soft, but sticky dough forms. Incorporate the dark chocolate chips if using.
- Divide the dough into 5 parts and place on baking sheets. Shape the dough into long loaves, that are about 2 ½ inches wide and 1 inch thick. Smooth the tops and the sides of the dough with your hands or a wet bowl scraper.
- Score the loaves with a serrated knife (I like this so it is easier to cut through later). Cut lengthwise into ½ inch diagonal slices.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes and remove from the oven.
- Let the loaves cool for 5-10 minutes, and cut through the precut slices. Lay the cookies cut side down and bake for another 10-15 minutes, turning the cookies over at the halfway mark. Note, the cookies will get crispier the longer they bake—so this is all preference! The cookies will harden even more as they cool as well.
- Once ready, take out of the oven and cool. Enjoy!
Notes
*I prefer fresh squeezed oranges or orange from concentrate (don’t dilute before using for more flavor)
