Raw Food: Salted Chocolate Protein Bars
With lazing on the beach over Christmas lingering in the back of our minds, the last thing we want to do is reach for a calorie-filled slice of chocolate cake when three-thirty-itis comes calling. To get your chocolate fix, but in a healthy manner, whip up these raw protein bars, which are packed with the kind of goodness that will keep you energised throughout the afternoon and taste as good as any dessert.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup pepitas
1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup hemp seeds
1/2 cup protein powder
4 tablespoons chia seeds
1 orange, zested and juiced
20 dates, pitted
6 tablespoons coconut oil, at room temperature
4 tablespoons cacao powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
Generous pinch of sea salt flakes
METHOD
Add the pumpkin seeds, coconut, hemp seeds, protein powder, orange zest and chia seeds to a food processor and pulse until mixture is still slightly crunchy in texture. Empty into a bowl and set aside.
Soak the dates in hot water to soften and then strain. Add dates, coconut oil, cacao powder, about 1 tablespoon of orange juice and vanilla extract to the food processor and mix until pureed.
Add the puree mixture to the bowl of dry ingredients, along with the oats, sea salt and poppy seeds. Stir until well combined. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and place in the fridge for 30 minutes.
To store, cut into bars, wrap in baking paper and store in a container.
Image via and recipe adapted from Green Kitchen Stories.
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