We all crave sweet treats, there is no denying it. Especially when I’m done with a spicy meal, I used to sneak in a chocolate or a candy. Dates are a natural and much healthier alternative, so instead of munching on a chocolate, I just satisfy my craving with a Date.
I wanted to create something more substantial as a snack option for my hubby for a post workout snack. I needed to create a snack which included dates plus more. So I decided on beetroot as the other key ingredient since they are a great source of fibre, folate (vitamin B9), manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. Beetroots have several health benefits, including improved blood flow, lowering blood pressure and is high in fiber, providing about 2–3 grams in each 3/4-cup (100-gram) raw serving.
So here’s my easy recipe for these energy balls, all you need is 15 minutes of prep and it gets done quickly and if you have kids at home, make sure you get them to help out in the process, they will love having their palms turn a bright crimson colour thanks to the beetroot. So here’s goes this easy bliss ball recipe-
Ingredients
1 large beetroot (150 – 200 grams)
7 organic dates
1 cup desiccated coconut + ½ cup more for coating
1.5 tbsp raw unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp stevia (optional)
½ cup oats (optional, for coating)
Peel and cube the beetroot and cook it until tender, you can steam or roast it, these are the two preferred ways to retain its natural flavours. The cubed beetroot should come to around 1 cup. Remove the seeds from the dates, now add the cubed beetroot, dates and stevia to a blender and pulse it. Once you get a coarse paste like consistency, add the desiccated coconut. Blend it all well to make a semi dry paste. Have a taste test, and if needed you can add more date or more desiccated coconut. It totally depends on your personal preference since you need to balance the bitterness of the raw cocoa.
Shape into small lemon sized balls by rolling the paste between you palms, it tends to be a bit sticky tho. Then roll each ball into the dry oats or the extra desiccated coconut set in individual bowls and refrigerate it for minimum of 30 minutes. Once done, the energy balls will be firm and they are ready to eat.
Tip- If the brand of cocoa you have is too bitter, you can add more dates to balance the sweetness. Optional coatings are crushed almond flakes and cocoa nibs. Kids will love to have it coated with chocolate sprinkles. Avoid blending it into a fine paste, little bits of beetroot and dates are lovely to munch into.