These coco-nutty protein balls are packed full of healthy ingredients and the Noni Glow Skinfood Supplement gives a nutritional hit. They are really yummy, quick and easy to make, and the whole family can enjoy them!
TIP Soaking the dates helps to soften them and blend easier. Rolling the balls can be a fun project for your kids to help with.
NOTE If you are nut sensitive you can use a coconut butter/spread, tahini or a seed spread (like pumpkin or sunflower) in place of the almond butter/spread. Use ¼ cup ground sesame seeds or an extra ½ cup shredded coconut in place of the nuts.
MAKE 30 (approx. 2cm diameter) or 50 smaller balls
PREP TIME 15 minutes
ROLLING TIME 20 – 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds (or walnuts, macadamia nuts or seeds)
- 12 pitted dates, roughly chopped
- 1 cup shredded/desiccated coconut (plus extra for coating the balls)
- ¼ cup almond butter/spread
- ½ tsp vanilla essence/extract or powder (optional)
- ¼ tsp sea salt (optional, to taste)
- 4 tsp Noni Glow Skinfood Supplement
- 1/2 tsp – 1 tsp matcha powder (optional).
Optional Ingredients for Coating the Balls
- Shredded/desiccated coconut
- Finely ground nuts, seeds or chia seeds
- Sesame seeds (white and/or black)
- Matcha powder (for a green hue).
Method
1. In a food processor place the nuts, chopped dates and process, stopping and starting a few times until they are coarsely chopped.
2. Then add the rest of the ingredients and process, stopping and starting a few times until the mixture is combined well. Pick up a little of the mixture and try rolling it into a ball. If it is too crumbly you may need to add a little more almond butter/spread or a little water and process again.
3. Roll the mixture into balls and chill for 30 minutes. Then roll them in shredded/dedicated coconut or finely ground nuts, if you like. You can eat them right away or chill for 30 minutes and serve.
4. You can also line a baking tin or baking dish with baking paper then press the mixture into the pan about 10cm thick/high. Then sprinkle with shredded/desiccated coconut or chopped nuts and press down gently to help it adhere. Chill for at least 30 minutes and cut into pieces. It’s a little easier than rolling if you are pressed for time and makes yummy protein squares.
5. You can refrigerate the balls for up to 1 week and freeze well covered for up to 1 month.
You may love Chef Kate’s cookbook, The Flavour of Joy. Containing stories to inspire, amuse and uplift as well as delicious, healthy recipes you’ll love.
Kate uses local organic and sustainable ingredients in her tasty and nutritious recipes, also including superfoods and medicinal herbs in her dishes to create healthy and nourishing food for the body, mind, and spirit.
Images by Holly Kent | @hollyvkent
