Meet my new favorite plant-based energy snack. Loaded with oats, almond butter, dates, and a dose of matcha, these bites are the perfect grab-n-go snack to curb my sugar and carb cravings.
These raw energy snacks are simple to make, too. Just throw everything into the food processor and blend until pasty. Then form into balls and store in the fridge for up to a week.
Why this recipe works with tea: Matcha green tea powder is one of the easiest pick-me-up powders to add to my homemade energy snacks. Matcha is packed with antioxidants, which is what I want out of a healthy energy treat. The green tea powder will also give me a little caffeine boost. In this recipe, the bittersweet grassy flavor of matcha pairs nicely with the nuttiness of the oats and almonds and the sweetness of the dates.
I made these energy bites with a unique matcha from Paromi Tea that’s flavored with turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon. For some, matcha can be an acquired taste. Adding familiar flavors to the matcha base is a nice way to ease into to matcha if you’re a new sipper. It’s also refreshing way for experienced matcha lovers to get some variety in their matcha routine…and their matcha recipes!
Happy cooking & sipping!
P.S. Thanks so much to Paromi Tea for sending me some of their gorgeous matcha to play around with in my Tea Foodie kitchen.
Easy Matcha Energy Bites
Makes 10-12 bites
Adapted by Suzanne Klein, Tea Foodie, from the Matcha Oat Energy Balls by The Mississippi Vegan
Ingredients
1 cup just boiled water
6 dates
1 cup regular rolled oats (not instant)
1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder (I used Organic Matcha with Turmeric, Ginger and Cinnamon from Paromi Tea)
1/2 cup almond butter (ideally one that’s sugar-free)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tablespoon maple syrup
2 teaspoons coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Preparation
1. Soak dates in just boiled water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and gently squeeze dates to release some of the excess liquid.
2. Add oats to a food processor bowl and whiz for about 30 seconds until the oats turn into a coarse flour consistency.
3. Add soaked dates and all remaining ingredients. Whiz for about 1 minute until the mixture is combined and forms a paste-like consistency. You should be able to press some between your fingers and it will stick together.
3. Scoop about 2 tablespoons at a time into your hand. Close your hand around the mixture tight to pack it tight. Then roll it between your palms to form a ball. You should get 10 to 12 balls using this method.
4. Store in a sealed container in the fridge and enjoy within a week.
Tea Foodie [#cookingwithtea] 