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.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Quinoa & Chocolate Energy Balls:
- Quinoa
- Almond butter (or any nut butter, I’ve also used ABC spread and it was great)
- Desiccated coconut
- Cacao powder
- Maple syrup
- Chia seeds
- Vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Quinoa & Chocolate Energy Balls
To cook the quinoa:
To make 1 cup of cooked quinoa, combine 1/3 cup uncooked quinoa and 2/3 cup water in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove and let it cool.
To make the energy balls:
Transfer the cooked quinoa to a medium sized mixing bowl, and add all remaining ingredients. Stir until well combined.
Prepare a shallow bowl with some desiccated coconut. Using your hands, roll a spoonful of mixture into a ball and then roll it in the desiccated coconut.
Place balls into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Enjoy!
More Chocolate-y Snacks You’ll Love
Quinoa & Chocolate Energy Balls
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.
