chocolate hemp protein balls

Hemp seeds are rich in healthy fats and essential fatty acids. They are also a great protein source and contain high amounts of vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron and zinc. And have other health benefits like warding off heart disease, minimizing PMS and menopause symptoms and clearing up skin issues. [*source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-health-benefits-of-hemp-seeds] 

This recipe provides a tasty way to incorporate more hemp into your diet. Plus it's no-bake, with simple ingredients and provides the healing power of dates. YUM!

Prep time: 10 min

Total time: 20 min (they need 20 min in the freezer to set)

Yields: 6 large or 12 small balls

Ingredients:

For the balls:
  • 1 cup organic pitted dates
  • 6 TBSP hemp hearts
  • 3 TBSP unsweetened cocoa powder or raw cacao powder
  • 2 TBSP shredded unsweetened coconut
  • 1 TBSP virgin coconut oil
  • 1/4 TSP iodized sea salt
  • 3 TBSP chopped dark chocolate 
  • 1 to 3 TSP water, if needed
Topping options:
  • Shredded coconut
  • Hemp hearts
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder or raw cacao powder
  • Melted dark chocolate

Instructions:

  1. Place the pitted dates in a food processor and process until a ball forms.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients to the processor (hemp hearts, cocoa/cacao powder, coconut, coconut oil, salt, and chocolate, if using) and process until thoroughly combined and almost smooth. The dough should be sticky and shouldn’t be crumbly when you form a ball. If it’s not sticky enough, add 1 to 3 teaspoons of water a bit at a time, processing after each addition.
  3. Line a plate with parchment paper. Lightly wetting your hands if needed, shape the dough into balls and place them on the lined plate. Roll each ball into your desired topping(s) until completely coated (if needed, lightly wet the ball before rolling so the toppings stick).
  4. Freeze the balls for 20 minutes until firm or simply enjoy right away!
  5. Store the leftovers in the fridge or freezer for a quick burst of energy whenever you need one. The balls will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for a week and in the freezer for 4 to 8 weeks.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size 1 of 6 large balls | Calories 170 calories | Total Fat 8 grams
Saturated Fat 4 grams | Sodium 85 milligrams | Total Carbohydrates 23 grams | Fiber 4 grams | Sugar 18 grams | Protein 4 grams

Nutritional info does not include the optional dark chocolate or toppings. If making 12 small balls instead of 6 large balls, the nutritional info is as follows for 1 of 12 balls: 85 cals, 4 g fat, 2 g sat. fat, 43 mg sodium, 11.5 g carbs, 2 g fibre, 9 g sugar, 2 g protein.
* Nutrition data is approximate and is for informational purposes only.

Tips:

* If your dates are bone dry, soak them in boiled water for 15 minutes and then drain very well. Use an old towel to press out the excess water. If the “dough” is too sticky to shape, add some shredded coconut and process again.

 

For a fun twist, try changing up the flavors by adding peppermint or orange extract!

 

*Recipe & Photo graciously sourced from Oh She Glows

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