In my post yesterday I discussed a few different trends over the years… well today’s recipe definitely seems to be right up there! In fact, did you know that “Protein Ball” is one of the most googled phrases?
Well this little gem is a perfect balance of nutritional goodness and sweet tooth satisfaction. Please note that this recipe is not NUT or DAIRY free, so if those cause a problem for you, you may need to omit or substitute.
COCONUT AND CACAO PROTEIN BALLS (makes approximately 30 balls)
Ingredients
- 250g almonds
- 12 medjool dates, pitted
- 2 young green coconuts, water drained, flesh scooped out
- 75g raw cacao powder
- 75g natural whey protein powder (you could use rice or pea but it will taste different)
- 1 heaped tbsp coconut oil
- desiccated coconut for rolling
Method
Please note, I use a Thermomix to make my protein balls, but you could follow the same steps in a high powered food processor (not blender) and achieve the same results.
Place almonds into Thermomix or food processor bowl. Grind for 3 seconds on speed 8 until finely crushed, but not too finely powdered. Set aside.- Place dates and coconut flesh into bowl. Process for 5-10 seconds on speed 8 until a paste is created. This may still be a little chunky, which is ok as you will process it again.
- Add protein powder, cacao and coconut oil to the date and coconut mixture. Process for 5 seconds on speed 6, using the spatula to mix completely.
- Add the ground almonds and process again for 10 seconds on speed 8.
- Transfer mixture to a bowl and place in the fridge to chill for about 1 hour (if it is a particularly hot day or you really want them quickly you could pop the bowl in the freezer).
Place desiccated coconut into a bowl for rolling.- Once the mix has become a little more firm, remove it from the fridge and set it up on your bench next to the desiccated coconut and a spare plate or container.
- To roll the balls, take heaped teaspoon amounts of the mix and roll it between clean hands (quite quickly so it doesn’t melt) to form a ball shape. Then roll this in the coconut and place on the plate.
- Repeat until the mixture is finished.
- Store balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last up to 2 weeks, however I’m sure they will be devoured before then!
NOTE: These are a great pre or post work-out snack, afternoon pick me up or even breakfast if you didn’t have time for anything else… yes… chocolate for breakfast 🙂
