Lentil Power Bites
Registered Dietitian Lalitha Taylor of Taylor Nutrition blog knows that every parent craves a no-fuss quick-fix snack that’s both nutritious and delicious. These lentil power bites fit the bill. These no-cook morsels are nutritional powerhouses packed with more than enough energy, protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals to keep you satisfied and energized!
Ingredients
A 500 mL can of brown lentils, rinsed and drained well
1 cup (250 mL) of peanut butter or your favourite nut or seed butter
1/2 cup (125 mL) of melted coconut oil
2 ripe bananas
1.5 cups (375 mL) of Medjool dates
1 teaspoon (5 mL) of pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup (125 mL) of cocoa powder
1 teaspoon (5 mL) of your favorite baking spice (allspice, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, or mace)
2 cups (500 mL) of quick or instant oats
1 cup (250 mL) of pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup (125 mL) of dark chocolate chips
Directions
Line a baking sheet or two with parchment or wax paper.
Measure the lentils, peanut butter, coconut oil, bananas, dates, and cocoa powder into your food processor. Blend until smooth. Transfer the works into a mixing bowl and stir in the oats, pumpkin seeds, and chocolate chips.
Lightly oil your hands and scoop out some of the mixture. Roll into bite-sized balls and place on the baking sheet. Freeze until hard, about an hour or even overnight.
When hunger strikes, feel free to snack straight from the freezer or, if you prefer, let the power bites soften for a few minutes. You can pack them in a lunch box and feel confident that hours later they’ll still be delicious.
#LentilTips
Canned lentils are a super convenient and economical source of nutrition. Rinsing them drains away much of their sodium but leaves behind their protein, fibre, and micronutrients.
© 2016 Lalitha Taylor – lentils.ca