{"id":13467,"date":"2020-08-19T13:04:36","date_gmt":"2020-08-19T07:34:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tashasartisanfoods.com\/blog\/?p=13467"},"modified":"2024-09-18T02:12:54","modified_gmt":"2024-09-17T20:42:54","slug":"chickpea-protein-bliss-balls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tashasartisanfoods.com\/blog\/chickpea-protein-bliss-balls\/","title":{"rendered":"Chickpea Protein Bliss Balls"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When it comes to healthy snacks, granola<\/a> bars are our first sweethearts. It was love at first bite, and we thought there would be no looking back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chickpea<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Oh, the hubris of our unschooled palates. It took a single look, and we cheated on our first love. Thoroughly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With what? <\/em>Bliss balls.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These little spheres of joy are wholesome, nutrient-packed snacks that make you forget that you\u2019re actually eating something healthy. They\u2019re that good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the past four years, I\u2019ve made tons of them. This time I went for chickpea protein bliss balls<\/em><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chickpeas<\/a> are a staple in Indian food. My family adores it in all forms. That\u2019s why I always keep cooked chickpeas in the freezer. They\u2019re handy for recipes that need it as an ingredient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But I\u2019ve never used chickpeas in dessert, something I\u2019ve been coming across ad nauseam on the internet lately. The chickpeas protein bliss balls are my take on this avant-garde concept of chickpeas in sweets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And yes, bliss balls make for a lovely dessert. They give you a sugar fix without the unhealthy high!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chickpea<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s so great about chickpeas?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The legume has a remarkable nutrition profile. Chickpeas are not only a profound source of protein but also minerals, fibers, and carbs. If you\u2019re a vegetarian or vegan, they are the best replacement for meat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides, they are full of iron, phosphorus, folate (and other Vitamin B compounds), Zinc, and magnesium\u2013 all minerals and vitamins your body needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, the grainy texture of chickpeas and nutty taste pairs excellently with plenty of ingredients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Make Chickpeas Protein Bliss Balls?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You whizz all the ingredients in a processor and convert it into balls or laddoos<\/em> (as we call them in India). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making bliss balls is that simple. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take cooked chickpeas (safed chana<\/em>), rolled oats, dates, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and desiccated coconut. Grind it all till you have a sticky, smooth mass that appears like dough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chickpea<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Refrigerate the dough for 15 to 20 mins, expressly if it\u2019s hot and humid where you live. Cooling the dough allows you to handle the mixture easily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once chilled, roll the dough into equal-sized balls and voila!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next step is optional, though not in my home. You dip the balls in 70% dark chocolate and then enjoy it. I made half and half, and the kids were delighted with both types!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chickpea<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Quick notes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The dates have to be soaked before you pulse them. 10 minutes in warm water should do the trick and soften them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Save the date-water. It\u2019ll come handy if the dough is too dry or crumbly. Simply add spoons of water as needed into the mixture, and it\u2019ll act like glue. You can even use regular water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In case your dough feels too sticky or wet to you, toss some rolled oats into it. Wet your hands when you\u2019re rolling the protein bliss balls, and it\u2019ll be more manageable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chickpea<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Variations of chickpeas protein bliss balls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t have peanut butter, tahini or almond butter is a great substitute. Cashew butter will also work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In case you\u2019re allergic to nuts or don\u2019t want them in the protein bliss balls, switch to a seed butter like sunflower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of desiccated coconut, you can utilize almond meal or any nut you prefer. You can even leave it out if you don\u2019t care for the taste of coconut. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regular oats work like a charm if you\u2019re all out of rolled oats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those using canned chickpeas, I\u2019ll advise draining them. Else the mixture will be too wet. If it\u2019s still very sticky, add more oats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chickpea<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Chickpea<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Serving the Chickpeas Protein Bliss Balls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can store these gluten-free, refined-sugar free, and vegan bliss balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They make for a great anytime snack. Think post or pre-workout. They\u2019re also easy to pick and eat on-the-go food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t need to pack tiffin boxes anymore, but if you do, they are an excellent treat for lunch to add a boost of energy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although they are rich in protein and fiber, the hearty, nutritious bliss balls don\u2019t sit heavy in your stomach. And they\u2019re so delicious that no one can tell that the main ingredient is chickpeas!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We savored the chickpea protein bliss balls as small bites of dessert after dinner. The smooth, fudgy, and very moist bliss balls were sweet enough to satisfy our craving for something sugary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The chickpeas gave them heft, the rolled oats married with coconut a beautiful crunchy, chewy texture, and the peanut butter rounded it off with perfect gooeyness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chickpea<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019d love to hear from you! Please tag me on Instagram @tashasartisanfoods<\/a>, using the hashtag #tashasartisanfoods. You can also FOLLOW ME on INSTAGRAM<\/a>, PINTEREST<\/a> for more fabulous recipes!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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\ud83d\udcd6 Recipe<\/h2>
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\"Chickpea<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Chickpea Protein Bliss Balls<\/h2>\n
<\/div>\nNatasha Minocha<\/a><\/span>\n
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Deliciously crunchy, chewy with perfect gooeyness, these healthy Chickpea Protein Bliss Balls are a delightful snack or dessert!<\/span><\/div>\n
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