Nutty-Dakota Energy Balls with a Hint of Orange - photo 1
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Nutty-Dakota Energy Balls with a Hint of Orange

Vegan Snacks Desserts Vegan dishes 70 min Easy 6 wyświetleń ~25.66 PLN - (0)
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Description

Nutty-Date Energy Balls are the perfect option for a quick, healthy, and nutritious snack that will provide energy for the whole day. This fully natural, vegan, and gluten-free dessert contains no added sugar, with its sweetness coming solely from dried dates. The base of the balls is a creamy mixture of dates and cashews, enriched with oats and sunflower seeds that add structure and nutritional value. They owe their deep, chocolatey flavor to natural cocoa, while freshly grated orange zest and a pinch of exotic cardamom give them a unique character. The result is an incredibly harmonious flavor composition – sweet, nutty, with a distinct citrus note and a hint of spice in the background. The balls are soft and chewy on the inside, and by rolling them in coconut flakes or chia seeds, they gain a pleasant, crunchy texture on the outside. Perfect as a pre-workout snack, a healthy dessert with coffee, or a nutritious addition to a lunchbox for both kids and adults.

Ingredients (10)

Servings:
15
  • Medjool dried dates 200 g
  • Cashews 100 g
  • Gluten-free mountain oats 80 g
  • Shelled sunflower seeds 30 g
  • Natural unsweetened cocoa powder 2 łyżki
  • Grated orange zest 1.2 szt.
  • 🌿 Przyprawy
  • Ground cardamom 1 g
  • Sól himalajska 1 szczypta
  • ✨ Opcjonalne
  • Coconut flakes 30 g
  • Chia seeds 30 g
💰 Szacowany koszt dania: ~25.66 PLN (1.71 PLN/porcję)

💡 Kliknij na składnik aby oznaczyć jako użyty

Preparation steps

1

Start by preparing the dates, which are the base and 'glue' for our balls. If you are using Medjool dates, which are naturally soft, simply remove the pits. If your dates are firmer, place them in a bowl, cover them completely with boiling water, and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. After this time, they will become soft and easier to blend. After soaking, drain them thoroughly in a sieve.

Ingredients: Medjool dried dates
Use a small heatproof bowl. Soaking is key to achieving a smooth, sticky mixture. If you're short on time, you can skip this step, but blending will take longer, and the mixture may be less uniform.
2

Into the bowl of a food processor or high-powered blender, add the cashews, oats, and sunflower seeds. Pulse for about 30-45 seconds until the ingredients break down to a coarse sand-like consistency with visible small pieces of nuts. We want to achieve texture, not a smooth flour.

Ingredients: Cashews, Gluten-free mountain oats, Shelled sunflower seeds
The best option is a food processor with an 'S' shaped blade. Pulsing (short, repeated cycles) gives you greater control over the degree of chopping. Be careful not to blend for too long, as the nuts will start to release oil and turn into peanut butter.
3

Add the drained dates (pitted!), cocoa powder, ground cardamom, and a pinch of salt to the ground dry ingredients in the food processor. Wash the orange thoroughly, blanch it in boiling water, and then grate the zest directly into the food processor, being careful to only grate the orange part (the white albedo is bitter).

Ingredients: Medjool dried dates, Natural unsweetened cocoa powder, Ground cardamom, Sól himalajska, Grated orange zest
Use a grater with fine holes (known as a zester) to grate the zest. Make sure all the pits from the dates have been removed – even one can damage the blender's blade.
4

Restart the food processor and blend everything together for 1-2 minutes. Occasionally stop the device and use a silicone spatula to scrape the mixture from the walls of the bowl to ensure everything combines evenly. Continue blending until a thick, sticky, and relatively smooth mixture forms. The finished mixture should easily hold its shape when formed in your hands.

The dough is ready when a small amount squeezed between your fingers holds its shape and doesn't crumble. If it is too dry (which can happen with firmer dates), add 1-2 teaspoons of water and blend again. If it is too sticky, add a tablespoon of oats.
5

Prepare two small, flat plates. On one, pour the coconut flakes, and on the other, the chia seeds (if you are using these optional ingredients). Scoop portions of the mixture using a teaspoon (about 25-30g each) and roll them in your hands, forming neat balls the size of a walnut. To prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands, you can lightly moisten them with water.

Ingredients: Coconut flakes, Chia seeds
Use a small diameter ice cream scoop to ensure all the balls are the same size. This is not only a matter of aesthetics but also of even distribution of nutrients per serving.
6

Immediately roll each formed ball in the prepared coating – coconut flakes or chia seeds. Gently press the coating to ensure it sticks well. Place the finished balls on a plate or in a container lined with baking paper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up and achieve a compact consistency.

Ingredients: Coconut flakes, Chia seeds
Cooling is an important step – the balls are tastier, less sticky, and easier to transport after cooling. Parchment paper will prevent the balls from sticking to the dish.

Fun Fact

💡

Energy balls, known worldwide as 'energy balls' or 'bliss balls', gained popularity with the rise of the raw food trend. Their roots can be traced back to Middle Eastern cuisine, where for centuries dates and nuts have been the foundation of nutritious, naturally sweet desserts.

Best for

Zdrowa przekąska do pracy/szkoły Przed lub po treningu Szybki deser bez cukru Podwieczorek dla dzieci

Tips

🍽️ Serving

Energy balls taste best chilled, straight from the fridge. They can be served as a standalone snack with coffee or tea. They pair wonderfully with natural yogurt or as an addition to morning oatmeal, adding sweetness and nutritional value. They can be packed into a small container and taken along on a trip or to work.

🥡 Storage

Store the balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. This will keep them fresh and maintain the right consistency. They can also be frozen – laid flat on a tray, and after freezing, transferred to a ziplock bag. They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just take them out 15-20 minutes before consumption.

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