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Fudgy Protein Balls

I’ve just purchased inca inchi protein powder because with my gallbladder attacks of last year putting me off virtually all animal products (nothing like almost choking on chicken and mayo salad vomit to put you off meat, eggs and oil for a while) I’m in desperate need of vegan sources of “complete” protein. I tried adding it to my pumpkin “custard” last night and it wasn’t glorious.

Enter these protein balls. There are already lots of protein ball recipes on the internet, but when I went searching yesterday morning, I found that most of them only use a spoonful or two of protein powder among 16 serves or so. I’m not eating meat or eggs at the moment people, I need more than this! They can also be quite heavy on the dates, which isn’t necessarily a “bad” thing, if you have no issues with fructose (obesity, liver issues etc.) or blood sugar control. Dates are high in fibre and contain vitamins and minerals, so I’m in no way saying they aren’t a beautiful food, just not one you’d necessarily want to be consuming in excess on a regular basis.

As much as I definitely don’t demonise natural sugars, I like to make sure I’m not overdoing the fruit, simply because I feel better this way. So compromise; these still use dates, but only 12 small ones between 10 balls (plus leftover crumbs – which can be sprinkled on some yoghurt for a delicious, protein-rich breakfast, snack or dessert). So maybe 1 1/2 small dates per ball, 3 in 2 … no big deal in my books. Besides, there’s so much other goodness in these balls to balance this negligible amount of sugar out if you are in fact worried about sensitivities.

I’ve written some benefits next to each ingredient, just to demonstrate how good these dessert treats are. I know we always hear that raw desserts are still treats and thus are “sometimes” foods, however these more or less relate to the ones I mentioned earlier: the ones loaded with dried fruit. These ones are perfectly acceptable as an everyday food for people that need to sneak more protein or magnesium into their day or just require an energy boost. Perhaps for athletes or students studying hard during an exam period.

I tried these for the first time last night and was pleasantly surprised by the fact that the taste downright sinful. You know how some protein balls have an aftertaste from the protein powder? These just taste fudgy and delicious. For those of you old enough to remember, let’s reminisce for a second. Back in 2002, Nestle released Wonka Bars (the ones with the purple wrapping) and decided to give away real life golden tickets. These chocolate bars were probably, to this day, my favourite chocolate memory (apart from mum’s self-saucing pudding, nothing will ever beat that). I was quite devastated when they discontinued them after the competition was over.

These balls taste exactly like those Wonka Bars …. and I’m not making this up. I haven’t had once since I was 6 years old and the memory came back to me instantly – it’s not like I was “trying” to recreate them and thus settled for a “slightly similar” flavour. I’m so excited, something completely nourishing tasting identical to one of my childhood “guilty pleasures”, this rarely happens! Winning!!!

Fudgy Protein Balls

  • 1/2 cup inca inchi protein powder – beautiful source of complete protein, adds a nutty flavour and firms up the mixture, making it easy to roll into little balls
  • 1/2 cup raw cacao powder – rich in antioxidants and magnesium, plus several other trace minerals
  • 12 pitted dates (oils and sulphur-free) – sweetness with fibre and minerals … yes please. Plus they bring a gooey, caramel texture
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut (sulphur free) – rich in Lauric acid which soothes the digestive tract and contain fats that providing an instant source of energy to the cells (they don’t get processed by the liver like other fats so can be useful for people with liver congestion; hepatitis, on lots of medications, cancer patients etc.)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean powder – antioxidants and that classic aroma we all know and love
  • 1 cup activated almonds – rich in vitamin E and high in protein
  • Pinch of cinnamon – helps regulate blood sugar levels, can lower LDL cholesterol and is loaded with antioxidants … oh and is anti-inflammatory (no wonder I can’t get enough of this yummy spice)
  • 1 heaped tablespoon coconut oil – facilitates blending and provides beneficial fats that are gentle on the liver and gallbladder. A wonderful anti fungal to prevent yeast infections
  • Generous pinch sea salt – source of trace minerals. Balances sweetness from dates.  Great if you exercise – and thus sweat – a lot because it replenishes electrolytes

Method

Blend all ingredients together in a food processor or high speed blender. Roll into balls and place in fridge to “set”. They will last for several weeks if stored in an airtight container and kept cool.

To make the look beautiful and fancy, you can roll them in a light dusting of raw cacao powder or sulphur-free desiccated coconut. Clearly from the pictures I didn’t bother with this step. Maybe if I was making them to share, but this batch is just for me, and my protein-deprived body.