Chilli choc chia balls rolled in cashews, coconut & cacao nibs

Hands up who wants a healthy, tasty chocolate truffle with no-refined-sugar?! Well look no further!

These truffles are full of goodness: protein powder (soy, pea, organic whey  or sunflower protein varieties work well), chia seeds, cacao, & flaxseed , so you can enjoy a guilt-free treat. They are much better for you & tastier than the sugar-laden shop-bought varieties. If you are not keen on chilli, simply omit!

What’s the secret ingredient which gives these truffles their texture? Kidney beans! You must try it! (Cooked cannellini beans & butter beans also work).

What’s more, they are very quick to make & I think they make a lovely gift. One batch makes about 16 balls, enough to put into a standard size sterilised jam jar. Add a ribbon & gift tag & hey presto! you have a lovely gift for someone special.

Rich, fudgey, chocolatey & good for you! A pinch of chilli powder gives heat

Makes: 16

Preparation time: Approx. 15 mins

Ingredients:

1/4 cup cooked kidney beans

1/4 cup almond butter

1 tbsp almond milk

2 tbsp tahini

2.5 tbsp honey or vegan sweetener like agave or maple syrup

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 cup cacao powder

2 tsp protein powder (soy, pea, organic whey & sunflower protein varieties work brilliantly)

1 tsp ground flaxseed

1 tbsp ground chia seeds

1/4 tsp chilli powder (if using)

To decorate: chopped nuts (like cashew nuts, walnuts), desiccated coconut  cacao nibs, ground flaxseed.

Method:

In a food processor, blend together cooked kidney beans with the almond butter, almond milk & tahini.

Then add honey or vegan sweetener & salt. Whizz again.

Then add cacao powder, protein powder of choice, ground flaxseed, ground chia seeds & chilli powder (if using). The mixture initially looks like breadcrumbs, but continue whizzing and it will eventually form a dough-like consistency (see photos below).

Shape into teaspoon sized balls & roll in a coating of your choice. I have used crushed cashew nuts, desiccated coconut & cacao nibs. However, you can use other coatings like other crushed nuts & ground flaxseed.

Place in the fridge for about 30 mins before eating.

Don’t forget you can find my favourite recipes in my FREE eBook here.