Oh, the humble energy ball. Is there anything you're NOT good for? You're the snack I need when I'm on the go and you take almost no effort to make. *swoon*
Seriously, if you've never made at least some variation of these, you're totally missing out. These are my go-to for pretty much every kind of situation, but they especially come into their own for road trips, hikes, or any other kind of outdoor pursuit where a quick dose of low-maintenance sustenance is needed.
Oh, and if you're trying to cut down on single-use plastic consumption, these are great because all ingredients can be purchased in bulk/recyclable packaging, unlike processed cereal or energy bars that often come packaged in non-recyclable film.
Day-to-day, these are fantastic to keep in the fridge when you're busy working on a project and need a quick afternoon pick me up. I whip up a batch on Sunday night and have a few each day, lasting the course of the work week. They keep for around 7 days, so they are low maintenance, easy make-ahead, nutritious snacks that satisfy a sweet tooth while also offering loads of fiber and omega-3. If you're trying to ween yourself off that daily piece of cake or candy bar, these are the substitute you need that somehow tricks your brain into thinking you're still eating dessert. The dream.
This recipe features superstar ingredient: mint! Lately, I've been doing a lot of research into the benefits of mint. As well as the well-known digestive benefits, spearmint, in particular, has been shown to be an excellent anti-androgen, meaning something that reduces testosterone levels that wreak havoc on the body of those suffering with poly-cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Aside from sipping spearmint tea, this is a great way to incorporate more mint into your diet. And even if you're not suffering from PCOS, mint is great at boosting digestion, soothing nausea and helping with both depression and fatigue. What's not to love? If you're a mint chocolate chip fan, get ready, because your world is about to be rocked. Let's do this.
YIELDS
12-15
PREP TIME
COOK TIME
TOTAL TIME
- 12 (1 Cup) Medjool Dates, pitted
- 1/4 Cup Vegan Dark Chocolate
- 8-12 Mint Leaves (Any mint variety!)
- 3/4 Cup Gluten-free Oats (Or sub regular)
- 1 Tablespoon Chia Seeds (White or Black)
Directions
1. Start by soaking your pitted dates in warm water for 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, break up your chocolate into small pieces and measure out the other ingredients.
3. Drain your dates well. Take the time to squeeze out any excess water. Then, transfer to a food processor and pulse until a sticky ball starts to form.
4. Add all other ingredients to the food processor and process on high until a large sticky ball comes together.
5. Pinch out small amounts and roll into balls, then transfer to a sealed container and store in the fridge for up to a week (if you can make them last that long!)
2. Meanwhile, break up your chocolate into small pieces and measure out the other ingredients.
3. Drain your dates well. Take the time to squeeze out any excess water. Then, transfer to a food processor and pulse until a sticky ball starts to form.
4. Add all other ingredients to the food processor and process on high until a large sticky ball comes together.
5. Pinch out small amounts and roll into balls, then transfer to a sealed container and store in the fridge for up to a week (if you can make them last that long!)
Also by Kat: Healthiest Light & Fudgy Beet Brownies (Vegan & Gluten-Free!)
Related: Mango & Coconut Bliss Balls
Vegan Superfood Snowballs With Coconut & Lucuma
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Photos: Kat Kennedy
