These little plant-based power bites are chock-full of healthy fats from the flaxseed meal, hemp seeds, and tahini. They're also packed with essential minerals, like calcium, magnesium, and selenium. In a nutshell, they're small, but mighty, and can support your bone health, immune system, and a good night's sleep. Plus, they're tasty and take only minutes to make! But, first, a bit about one of my favorite ingredients of all time, tahini.
What is tahini?
Tahini is a versatile, whole-food ingredient made from sesame seeds and used in salad dressings, dips, sauces and desserts. It's high in protein, fiber and healthy fats. For just two tablespoons there are 8 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbohydrate, 0 sugar and 4 grams of fiber. Since tahini is good source of protein and fiber, it's a great option for those with diabetes to help with blood sugar control.
What about micronutrients? Two tablespoons of tahini also gives you 3 mg iron (15% of the DRI), 45 mg calcium (4% of the DRI) and 128 mg potassium (4% of the DRI). Coming from a tiny seed, it packs a nutrient punch!
Chocolate Chip Tahini Bites
These chocolate chip tahini bites are super tasty and make a delicious after-dinner treat or breakfast on the run. You could also bring them to work for a snack between lunch and your gym workout or something to hold you over before dinner.
Serving: 6 (two bites per person, makes approximately 12 bites)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: none
Ingredients
1/3 cup tahini
3/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
3/4 cup oat or almond flour
1 1/2 Tbsps hemp seeds
1 Tbsp flaxseed meal
2 Tbsps maple syrup
2 tsps cinnamon
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
cacao nibs for garnish
Directions
1. Place all ingredients except the chocolate chips and cacao nibs in a food processor and blend until creamy.
2. With a spatula, scoop into a medium size bowl.
3. Fold in chocolate chips.
4. With a tablespoon, spoon out mixture into hand and roll into balls.
5. Place bites on small cookie sheet (they can be close since you're not baking them).
6. Add cacao nib garnish on top.
6. Place in fridge for 1-2 hours.
Keep refrigerated since both tahini and coconut are high in fat and can go rancid at room temperature. When you're ready, take them out and eat 'em up!
Nutrition Information
Per serving (12 servings) 203 calories, 11.5 grams carbohydrates (6.5 grams net carbohydrates), 5 grams fiber, 6 grams protein, 17 grams fat, 20 milligrams sodium
Good source of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin E, calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, zinc
Excellent source of copper, manganese, phosphorus
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