Vegan Protein Snacks – Recipe | Cookery School Manchester

Whether it’s first thing in the morning or midafternoon, we all need an energy boost at some point during the day. Coffee is one solution; a sugary energy drink, another. But when you need something with more sustenance, we recommend reaching for these easy to make energy balls.

They loaded with nutrients to keep you focused and keeps you filled up until your next meal. They’re simple to make combining a few ingredients in a food processor, then rolling them into a ball. Just stash them in the fridge and take a few with you for when you need an energy boost with your afternoon coffee. There are many different recipes, we’ve included two versions here along with a video to show you how to make them.

Date & Chi Seed Energy Balls

Ingredients – Makes 10 balls

· 1/4 cup sunflower/goji berries/linseed seed mix
· 2 tsp chia seeds
· 10 pitted medjool dates
· 4 dried figs
· 1 banana
· 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
· 1 tablespoon Desiccated coconut

Method

In a food processor blitz the dates, figs, chia seeds, linseed seed mix and banana to a coarse consistency.
Roll into balls then roll in the desiccated coconut or cocoa powder and place in the fridge to firm up.

Cashew & Goji Berry & Mixed Seed Energy Balls

Ingredients – Makes 10 balls

3 Tbsp. chopped unsalted cashew nuts
2 Tbsp. roughly chopped goji berries
6 Tbsp. milled flaxseed/sunflower & pumpkin seeds – note linseeds are also known as flaxseeds!
2 Tbsp. honey – or use half a banana
1 Tbsp. desiccated coconut

Method:

Blitz all ingredients excluding the desiccated coconut in a blender until well combined.
Using your hands form approx. 12 small balls with the mixture.
Cover in a light coating of desiccated coconut. Transfer to a plate and chill for about 30 mins.

Tips & Tricks

Linseed also know as flax seed, has a very tough outer skin that can’t be broken down in the gut, to release their fantastic antioxidants and omega 3 essential fatty acids (good fats to you and me) make sure you grind them first or buy a ready milled mix.

Chai Seeds – Full of protein and fibre, a source of omega 3, iron and calcium – helps raise good cholesterol and protects against heart attacks and strokes.

Matcha Powder –Matcha literally means “powdered tea.” rather than infusing the leaves you’re drinking the actual leaves, which have been finely powdered. Source of riboflavin, vitamin C, copper, iron. Can improve energy, mood and memory with the added bonus of balancing hormones.