Bliss balls, amazeballs, energy bites which ever name they go by, they are hands down, one of my all time favourite go-to snacks. Tahini energy bites are filled with simple, delicious and nutritious ingredients that will help curb you hunger, anytime of the day.
So, what is Tahini?
Basically for those of you who don’t know, tahini is a paste or a condiment made from hulled lightly roasted ground sesame seeds. And here’s the best bit… it’s so versatile. It goes way beyond humble hummus! Tahini can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Think cakes, cookies, salad dressings, soups, smoothies and so much more. Packed with vitamins and super rich minerals!
How about the benefits of Tahini:
- For those following a plant-based diet it’s an excellent source of calcium.
- It is a complete protein! So, once again super news for those who are vegan. Basically, the protein levels are higher than those found in nuts!
- High in vitamin E and a rich source of vitamin B.
- Okay, so it’s high in unsaturated fats… but they are the “good” fats!
- Rich in minerals such as iron, lecithin, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium (nice option if banana’s aren’t your thing) and zinc.
- Good source of fiber.
Where to purchase Tahini?
Here in Greece, we can of course purchase it at our local supermarkets. So I’m sure you’re local supermarket, wholefoods and/or health food stores will also stock it.
How to Use it?
I like using Tahini in so many different ways. Let your imagination run wild. Some ways I like to incorporate more tahini into my diet are:
- Drizziling it on fresh crusty bread with a little honey and sliced bananas! Makes an excellent breakfast or snack idea for the kids.
- Absolutely scrumptious when used as a spread in wraps instead of butter, mustard or mayo!
- Create fabulous dressings for salads and steamed veggies.
- Drizzeled on fresh fruits.
- Energy balls, slices, granola bars, cakes and biscuits.
- Tahini vegan ice-cream!
- Smoothies and iced-coffees. One of my favourites treats is to blend up coconut milk, a frozen banana, tahini, maple syrup and cardamom!
- Not forgetting falafels and hummus! (and yes, together in a pita with some salad greens, freshly sliced tomato to make a vegan souvlaki!)
Tahini Energy Bites = Healthy Snacking!
In the event that you have a craving for something with chocolate and a little nutty flavour, I think you will love these tahini energy bites as much as we do. They are:
- simple to make
- taste delicious
- refined sugar free
- nut free
- no baking required
- slow releasing carbs
- protien enriched
- freezer friendly – so keep a stash there for later!
Tahini Energy Bites
Tahini egergy bites are smooth and almost fudge like thanks to the creamy, rich and slightly nutty flavoured tahini. Great for popping in lunchboxes!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chocolate tahini or nut/seed butter of choice
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or swap out for honey
- 1 tspn vanilla extract
- 1-4 Tbsp orange juice or water or non-dairy of choice
- 1 cup quick oats
- 3/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup ground flax seeds
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds for coating
- 1/4 tsp sea salt good quality
Instructions
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In a medium sized bowl gently whisk together the chocolate tahini, maple syrup and vanilla together.
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Add 1 Tablespoon of liquid at a time and keep stirring. If you think that the paste is a little thick, add another tablespoon of liquid. You want to have a “honey” like consistency… not too thick or too runny.
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Time to add in the oats, flax seeds and coconut. Stir until well combined and ingredients start to stick together. If not, add a little more liquid 1 Tablespoon at a time. You want to be able to shape it into balls and hold well together.
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Take 1-2 Tablespoons of mixture and squeeze and shape into a ball. Roll in the sesame seeds to coat it well.
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Cover and place in refrigerator to set for 30 minutes.
Recipe Notes
Keep refrigerated in an air-tight container for upto 2 weeks.
Can also be placed in the freeze for a frozen treat. Keeps in a zip lock bag for up to 1 month.
