Quinoa candies

Quinoa Candies: Healthy Delights for the Whole Family

Who said healthy desserts can't be delicious? Quinoa candies are a perfect choice for those who want to enjoy something sweet without compromising their health. These candies contain no added sugar, are easy to make, and most importantly, they will win the hearts of the little ones! Additionally, quinoa, the main ingredient, is an excellent source of protein and fiber, making them a nutritious option. Let's discover this simple and quick recipe together!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12-15 candies

Ingredients:
- 300 g cooked quinoa (about 1 cup of quinoa cooked in 3 cups of water)
- 50 g whole almonds
- 10 pitted dates
- 2 tablespoons of honey (or agave syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 100 g coconut butter (can be replaced with almond or peanut butter)
- 50 g shredded coconut (plus extra for decoration)

Step by Step for Quinoa Candies:

1. Preparing the Quinoa:
Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove the saponins, which can give a bitter taste. Then, cook the quinoa in water, following the 1:3 ratio. Once the quinoa is cooked, let it cool completely.

2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a food processor, add the cooled cooked quinoa. Add the almonds, dates, honey, cinnamon, coconut butter, and 50 g of shredded coconut. Blend everything on medium speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and the ingredients start to bind together.

3. Forming the Candies:
On a plate, sprinkle 50 g of shredded coconut. Using wet hands, take a portion of the quinoa mixture and form balls the size of walnuts. Then, roll each candy in the shredded coconut, ensuring they are well coated.

4. Cooling the Candies:
Place the candies in a container with a lid and refrigerate for one hour. This step is essential to allow them to firm up and hold their shape.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions:
These quinoa candies are perfect as a healthy snack or to be served as a dessert. You can pair them with:
- A warm herbal tea or a fruit infusion to complement the natural sweetness of the candies.
- A smoothie made with fresh fruits for an energizing breakfast.
- Consider offering them to kids as a snack in their lunch boxes to keep them active and energized throughout the day.

Practical Tips:
- Variations: You can experiment with different nuts or seeds. Replace almonds with pecans or cashews for a different flavor. Also, add some dark chocolate pieces for an extra flavor boost.
- Storage: These candies can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, so you can make a larger batch and enjoy them throughout the week.
- Shredded Coconut: Make sure to use unsweetened and unsalted shredded coconut to keep the recipe healthy.

Nutritional Benefits:
Quinoa is considered a superfood, being rich in complete proteins, fiber, vitamins (B, E), and essential minerals. Almonds provide healthy fats and vitamin E, while dates offer natural sweetness and fiber. These candies are an excellent choice for an energizing snack, ideal for those who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use another type of sweetener?
Sure! You can replace honey with maple syrup or agave syrup if you prefer a vegan option.

2. How can I make the candies crunchier?
You can add some sunflower or pumpkin seeds to the mixture for a varied texture.

3. Is this recipe suitable for allergic individuals?
Make sure the ingredients used do not contain allergens for the individuals consuming them, especially almonds.

Quinoa candies are not only a delicious choice but also an opportunity to bring a touch of nutrition into everyday life. So, don’t wait any longer! Start making these delicious healthy candies and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: -300 g cooked quinoa (1 coffee cup of cooked quinoa seeds in 3 coffee cups of water) -50 g almonds -10 pitted dates -2 tablespoons honey -1 teaspoon cinnamon -100 g coconut butter -50 g coconut flakes Extra: -50 g coconut flakes