Grain-free Protein balls with Roasted Nuts and Seeds

It has come to my notice that I have an undeniable love for ball-shaped food like meatballs, ladoos, energy balls, truffles etc. 😁The behind kitchen reason is that balls are easy to divide and portion our respective shares. I don't know about you, but I found that F is not very mindful of the partner when it comes to food on the table. So if I don't eat with him or make portions, I don't get enough of my share!😆 Anyways, today's recipe is easy grain-free protein balls with roasted nuts and seeds for a boost of energy.

Protein balls are usually made with a combination of nuts, dried fruits, seeds and sometimes nut butter or protein powder making them a grab-and-go bite of good fats and energy.

Protein balls are healthy but generally not a low-calorie snack. The healthy fats in the roasted nuts and flaxseed make these nutritious and filling. Unlike most protein energy balls, this recipe does not call for oats or nut butter or sugar making this grain-free and refined sugar-free.

You don't need all the items listed to make this. You can add your choice of nuts and seeds or avoid those that you don't have or don't like. The bottom line, the recipe is just an idea of how to make flourless, sugarless protein balls. Roasting the nuts is crucial as this helps in releasing the natural oils that will bind the energy balls. As the natural oils of the nuts ooze out, it is recommended to store them in an airtight box and refrigerate them. The dates and nuts energy balls should be consumed within a week or frozen for longer. Best served at room temperature.

Yields: 20 to 24 balls

• ½ cup peanuts, dry roasted and peeled
• ½ cup almonds, dry roasted
• ½ cup whole cashews, dry roasted
• ¼ cup sesame seeds, dry roasted
• 2 and ½ cup pitted dates (mabroom)
• 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder or cardamom powder
• a pinch of salt
• ¼ cup chia seeds
• ¼ cup flaxseeds
• ¼ cup desiccated coconut

1. Add all the dry roasted and cooled nuts into a large mixie jar or food processor and grind to a coarse texture.
2. Stop and stir in the chopped dates along with cocoa powder, cinnamon or cardamom powder and salt. Process until the dates break down and the mixture begins to blend with the nuts.
3. Next, stir in the seeds and process until the natural oils of the nuts bring the mixture together.
4. Transfer the content into a bowl and mix in the desiccated coconut with your hands.
5. Make equal-sized balls of 1 tablespoon each and refrigerate for an hour.
6. Serve as a mid-meal and keep the rest in an airtight container refrigerated.