Hemp seed and quinoa truffles
Delicious Healthy Candy Recipe with Quinoa and Hemp Seeds
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Freezing time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 candies
Introduction
Welcome to the wonderful world of healthy flavors! Today, I will share an enticing candy recipe, perfect for kids and not just them. These little delights contain no sugar but are packed with essential nutrients, thanks to the natural ingredients used. Cooked quinoa, hemp seeds, and nuts combine harmoniously to create a delicious snack that can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Let's discover together how we can prepare these healthy, energy-packed candies!
A Bit of History
Culinary traditions around the world have included sweet dishes over time, often created to celebrate special events. Candies and pastries made with natural ingredients have gained popularity, being perceived not only as desserts but also as healthy snacks. This recipe combines nutritious ingredients with a unique taste, providing a healthy boost to daily nutrition.
Ingredients
- 100 g cooked quinoa (about 1/2 cup)
- 50 g nuts (walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts – your choice)
- 100 g hemp seeds
- 50 g raisins
- 30 g blackcurrants (or other dried fruits like cranberries)
- 10 pitted dates
- 100 g cocoa butter (or almond butter, if you prefer)
- Extra: coconut flakes or hemp seeds for decoration
Ingredient Details
- Quinoa: A superfood renowned for its complete proteins and high fiber content.
- Nuts: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, nuts help maintain heart health.
- Hemp seeds: An excellent source of protein, essential fatty acids, and minerals.
- Raisins and blackcurrants: These dried fruits are full of antioxidants and vitamins, adding extra flavor and natural sweetness.
- Dates: These are a natural substitute for sugar, providing a sweet taste and pleasant texture.
- Cocoa butter: Used to bind the ingredients and provide a chocolate flavor.
Step by Step Preparation
1. Preparing the Quinoa: If you don’t have cooked quinoa, rinse 1/4 cup of quinoa under cold water and boil it with 1/2 cup of water for about 15 minutes, until the water is absorbed and the quinoa becomes fluffy. Let it cool.
2. Chopping the Ingredients: In a blender, add the cooked quinoa, nuts, hemp seeds, raisins, blackcurrants, and dates. Start pulsing on low speed, then gradually increase the speed to achieve a dense paste.
Practical Tips: If your blender is not very powerful, you can chop the nuts and dates first, then add the other ingredients.
3. Shaping the Candies: Once the mixture is homogenized, take a tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into balls with your hands. These can be the size of a golf ball.
4. Decorating: Roll each candy in coconut flakes or hemp seeds for an attractive look and added texture.
5. Freezing: Place the candies on a tray lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer for 20 minutes. This step helps to firm them up.
6. Storing: After they have firmed up, transfer them to a container with a lid and keep them in the fridge. These healthy candies stay fresh for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
These candies are perfect as a snack between meals or as a dessert after dinner. You can enjoy them with a cup of green tea or a fruit smoothie for an energy boost. They are also ideal to include in lunchboxes for school or picnics.
Possible Variations
- Add spices: Half a teaspoon of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla can add extra flavor.
- Substitute nuts: You can replace the nuts with sunflower seeds for an allergen-free version.
- Enrich with protein: Add a tablespoon of protein powder for an extra nutrient boost.
Nutritional Benefits
These candies are rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, providing a balanced caloric intake. Each candy contains about 100 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used. They are ideal for satisfying sweet cravings without compromising health.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other dried fruits? Yes, you can experiment with various dried fruits like cranberries or figs.
- How long can I keep the candies? They can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, but they can also be frozen for a longer duration.
- Are these candies suitable for vegans? Absolutely, the ingredients are 100% plant-based and contain no animal products.
Conclusion
These healthy candies with quinoa and hemp seeds are an excellent choice for any time of the day. With a delicious taste and high nutritional benefits, they are ideal for the whole family. I encourage you to try them and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: 100 g cooked quinoa, 50 g nuts, 100 g hemp seeds, 50 g raisins, 30 g black currants, 10 pitted dates, 100 g cocoa butter, Extra: coconut flakes or hemp seeds
