Happy New Year my dear readers!

Starting the new year with these lovely Apricot Tahini Blissballs! Just the way we like them – coated with dark chocolate, ‘coz whats life without chocolate! 😉

Apricot Tahini Blissballs vegan, snacks, dessert, refined sugarfree ,healthy, high protein, energy balls

These blissballs are so flavourful, thanks to the sweet tartness of dried apricots , balanced with a deep earthiness of tahini.

I, very recently, discovered a local brand of organic date syrup in an organic food store and haven’t stopped using it on everything! It’s not overly sweet, but good enough – perfect for my clean eating January intentions! 🙂

Apricot Tahini Blissballs vegan, snacks, dessert, refined sugarfree ,healthy, high protein, energy balls

Dried apricots are an excellent source of dietary fiber,  potassium, iron, carotenoids and other potent antioxidant phytonutrients.  A couple of these soaked overnight in water  and consumed first thing in the morning along with the water is extremely beneficial for a clean gut.

Tahini is essentially a paste made with sesame seeds and its very rich in vitamins and minerals – calcium in particular. It has 20% complete protein, making it higher protein source than most nuts ( source : MINDBODYGREEN ). Its high in unsaturated fast, which qualifies it as GOOD fat, we all need that!

Apricot Tahini Blissballs vegan, snacks, dessert, refined sugarfree ,healthy, high protein, energy balls

It gives  a rather delicate nutty sesame seed taste and adds richness in both, savory and sweet dishes . It’s a great addition to all your hummus and other dips. I used it for a wonderful dressing in my Roasted Sweet Potato & Chickpea Salad . There are a lot of bakers who add it to  their baked goodies  as well. I’d love to try that sometime too.

Apricot Tahini Blissballs vegan, snacks, dessert, refined sugarfree ,healthy, high protein, energy balls

NOTES:

  • Please taste the mixture once blended to adjust for sweetness. You can start with 1 tablespoon of date syrup instead of 2. You can always add more later.
  • If you can’t source date syrup, simply use  pitted dates, soaked in warm water.
  • Tahini is easily available online now and in health food stores.
  • All the products I used are locally produced.

I’d love to hear about  how these  turned out for you. Do leave  a comment below and share a picture on INSTAGRAM  using the hashtag #tashasartisanfoods !

Apricot Tahini Blissballs vegan, snacks, dessert, refined sugarfree ,healthy, high protein, energy balls
Print Recipe

Apricot Tahini Blissballs

Rich in protein and calcium, these Apricot Tahini Blissballs are a breeze to make and are a hit with everyone at home! Great as a post workout snack too!
Servings: 12 Blissballs
Author: Natasha Minocha

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups Rolled oats, lightly roasted and cooled
  • 12 Dried apricots, soaked in warm water for 10 -15 minutes
  • 2 Tbsp Date syrup
  • 1 Tbsp Tahini
  • 1 tsp Coconut oil, melted
  • 1/4 cup Toasted white sesame seeds for topping

Chocolate coating ( optional)

  • 1/3 cup Dark 75% dairy free, vegan chocolate melted

Instructions

  • Combine all the ingredients - oats, apricots ( without their water), date syrup, tahini and coconut oil in a blender.
  • Blend till the mixture comes together like a smooth dough. You may need to add a tsp of water if the mixture is too dry.
  • Taste and adjust for sweetness. Cool the mixture for 10-15 minutes. Roll into equal size balls, roll in roasted sesame seeds and enjoy!

For chocolate topping ( optional)

  • If you wish to coat these in chocolate, dip each ball in melted chocolate and sprinkle immediately with the roasted sesame seeds. Place on a parchment lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until the chocolate is all set.