Makes approx 18 bites
INGREDIENTS:
200g medjool dates, pitted
5 tbsp smooth, runny peanut butter
15g chia seeds
3 tbsp cold water
1 scoop (25g) hemp protein powder
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp water or almond milk
Optional coatings:
Hemp seeds
Cacao powder
Desiccated coconut
METHOD:
- Leave the chia seeds to soak in the 3 tbsp of water for 5 minutes (they are very absorbent so this makes them easier to digest)
- Add the dates, peanut butter, protein powder, vanilla and chia seed mixture to a food processor and process for a few minutes until smooth
- You may need to scrape down the sides a few times, and if like me you don’t have a very powerful food processor you may need to add the 1 tbsp of liquid to help it (don’t worry the chia seeds will soak this up as they set)
- Place the mixture in a bowl and leave in the fridge for 10-15 minutes until easy to handle
- Roll pieces of the mixture between your hands and roll in your choice of coating
- For best results store in the fridge
I love making energy balls out of medjool dates so decided to come up with a high protein version to make them even more beneficial. With the added benefit of Omega-3 from the chia seeds they couldn’t get much more nutritious! These chia and hemp protein bites are high in fibre so you only need a few to fill you up, so they can last a good few days! You will find the mixture is quite soft as you roll them but this gives them an amazing fudgy texture. I love using different things to coat them but cacao powder is probably my favourite!