If you’re looking for a delicious, yet nutrient-dense and well balanced snack, you have to try these quinoa and chocolate energy balls.

This recipe was actually a happy accident. I recently tried a new brand of quinoa, which I didn’t particularly like the taste of, so I looked for a fun way of using it up. That led me to these Fudgy Quinoa-Chia Bites by Eating by Elaine. Which by the way, look incredible. However, I decided to adapt the recipe to make balls instead, and the result was delicious.

The Nutrition

These balls are a nutritionally balanced snack, with a combination of protein, healthy fats and fibre. They’re also naturally gluten free, as well as dairy free.

What makes these energy balls different from regular energy balls is that they’re based on quinoa. Quinoa is high in protein and contains all essential amino acids. It’s also high in fibre to support a healthy digestive system and a happy gut microbiome. If you’ve been wanting to try quinoa for some time, this recipe could be a fun introduction.

Aside from quinoa, we also have additional high-fibre ingredients like chia seeds and desiccated coconut. The recipe also features almond butter, which contains healthy fats, fibre, a range of micronutrients and even some protein. However, feel free to use any kind of nut butter with this recipe. If you’d prefer peanut butter, I recommend brands like Mayver’s and Simply Nuts which only contain two ingredients.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. If you make these quinoa and chocolate energy balls and share them online, feel free to tag me (@chantelouisee), I always love to see it! Also check out the links at the bottom of this post for more ‘healthier’ chocolate recipes. I highly recommend the chocolate nut slice.

Ingredients

1 cup cooked quinoa 1/3 cup uncooked quinoa + 2/3 cup water
3/4 cup desiccated coconut plus extra for coating
1/4 cup almond butter or nut butter of choice
3 tbsp cacao powder
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of fine grain salt

Instructions

Cook quinoa by combining 1/3 cup of uncooked quinoa and 2/3 cup water to a medium pot. Bring to boil, cover, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove and let it cool.
Add all ingredients to a medium sized mixing bowl and stir until combined.
Roll a spoonful of mixture into a ball and coat it in desiccated coconut.
Store in an air-tight container in the fridge.