A straightforward goji berry balls recipe for dried goji berries you may make in 10 minutes with simply 4 easy elements.
What are goji berries?
Goji berries, also called wolf berries, are small pink or orange-red berries that come from the Lycium barbarum plant and have a barely candy and tart flavour.
Goji berries have been used for hundreds of years in conventional Chinese language drugs for his or her potential well being advantages. They’re prized for his or her dietary content material, being wealthy in varied nutritional vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and different bioactive compounds.
Their potential well being advantages embody blood sugar regulation, digestive well being, cognitive perform, eye well being, immune system assist and power, in most half because of antioxidants akin to beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, and vitamin C.
Tips on how to Use Goji Berries
Goji berries are often utilized in dried type, very like raisins or cranberries. They’ve a chewy texture when dried.
Goji berries might be eaten as a snack, or added to path combine, smoothies, salad dressings, baking, cereal, tea and salads, or utilized in a wide range of recipes like these power balls.
They’re additionally good for sprinkling over yogurt, ice cream, smoothie bowls, chia pudding and oatmeal.
In case you have further goji berries, they’d make an excellent addition to this Freekeh Salad, Summer time Quinoa Salad, Wild Rice Salad, Tuscan Kale Salad, or you can mix them right into a smoothie like this Papaya Smoothie or Beet Orange Smoothie.
They can be added to any of my power bar, power ball or baking recipes. They’d be yummy in these Blueberry Oatmeal Cups, Cherry Almond Bars, Apricot Granola Bars or Lime Coconut Power Bites.
Components
The complete ingredient record with measurements is situated within the recipe card beneath.
- Dates: You should utilize any number of dates are lengthy as they’re smooth and moist. In case your dates are overly dry, soak them in scorching water then drain nicely earlier than utilizing within the recipe.
- Cashews: Use plain, uncooked cashews with no added oil or salt. You possibly can substitute different nuts akin to almonds, walnuts or pecans or use a mix of nuts. For a nut-free possibility, you should use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Goji Berries: Search for dried goji berries. They’re available on-line, in well-stocked grocery shops or in well being meals shops.
- Cacao Nibs: You possibly can omit these should you favor, or substitute chopped darkish chocolate, chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips.
- Vanilla: Vanilla provides a very nice flavour however is non-compulsory. A pinch of salt and cinnamon may also assist improve the flavour.
Variations & Additions
- Coconut Goji Berry Balls: Scale back the cashews to 1/2 cup and add 1 cup positive or medium shredded coconut (desiccated coconut).
- Chocolate-Coated Goji Balls: Dip the balls in melted darkish chocolate or drizzle over high of them on a baking sheet and set within the fridge unit agency.
- Spices: Incorporate warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for an additional layer of taste.
- Ginger: Strive including 2-3 tbsp grated contemporary ginger.
- Matcha: Add 1-2 tbsp matcha powder for an earthy flavour and inexperienced color.
- Maca: Incorporate maca powder for its potential energy-boosting properties.
- Citrus: Add 1-3 tbsp lemon juice and/or lemon zest, lime zest or orange zest for a refreshing flavour.
- Seeds: Add as much as 1/3 cup chia seeds or hemp seeds for extra wholesome fat and diet. If including floor flax, use simply 3-4 tbsp so the balls aren’t too dry.
- Coating: Experiment with completely different coatings on your goji balls, akin to shredded coconut, crushed nuts, cocoa powder, or perhaps a dusting of matcha.
- Oats: Add as much as 1/2 cup rolled oats or substitute the cashews with 1 cup rolled oats.
- Sweetening: Add 1-2 tbsp of pure maple syrup for a sweeter flavour.
- Power Bars: In case you favor to make power bars, line an 8×8-inch baking sheet with parchment paper then firmly press the dough into the plan. Agency within the fridge for an hour or two, then carry out of the pan and slice into bars.
Step-by-Step Information
Step 1. Add all the elements to a meals processor and blend right into a thick, sticky dough you’ll be able to simply press collectively between your fingers.
Fast Tip: If it’s not sticking collectively, add 1 tsp of heat water and mix once more. That ought to do the trick but when not, repeat as wanted.
Step 2. Use your fingers to roll the dough into balls. You must get 10-12 balls relying on the dimensions.
In case you’d wish to coat them in one thing like coconut, go for it!
Recipe FAQs
You possibly can omit cacao nibs or substitute darkish chocolate, chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips.
No, you don’t must soak the goji berries earlier than utilizing them in power balls. They are often added on to the combination.
For positive! These retailer nicely within the fridge for two weeks or freezer for as much as 3 months.
Sure. To make them nut-free, use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds as an alternative of cashews. You might additionally do a mixture of rolled oats and seeds.
Sure, you should use a wide range of nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios rather than cashews. It’s also possible to use a mix of nuts.
Knowledgeable Ideas
- Softening Dates: In case your dates are a bit dry, soak them in heat water for about 10-Quarter-hour earlier than mixing. This can assist soften them, making them simpler to mix and leading to a smoother texture.
- Texture: The combination ought to maintain collectively when squeezed however not be too sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a number of extra cashews. If it’s too crumbly, add extra softened dates or a little bit of nut butter.
- Measuring: For greatest outcomes, use a digital scale and comply with the listed measurements within the recipe.
Storing Directions
- Retailer the completed bites in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 2 weeks or freezer for as much as 2 months.
- They’re okay at room temperature if taking to-go however will get smooth if it’s heat.
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Description
These scrumptious no-bake goji berry power balls are full of vitamins thank to superfoods like goji berries and cacao nibs and make a scrumptious candy deal with.
- Place all elements in a meals processor and blend right into a thick, sticky dough you’ll be able to simply press collectively between your fingers. If it’s not sticking, add 1 tsp of heat water and course of once more. That ought to do the trick, but when not, repeat 1-2 instances till it does.
- Roll into 10-12 balls relying on desired measurement and retailer in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 2 weeks or freezer for as much as 2 months.
Notes
Cacao nibs might be substituted with chocolate chips or darkish chocolate.
Make sure to use smooth, moist dates as they bind the recipe collectively. In case your dates are overly dry, pit them first then soak in scorching water for Quarter-hour. Drain nicely earlier than utilizing within the recipe.
Vitamin
- Serving Dimension: 1 ball
- Energy: 128
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fats: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
Key phrases: goji berry balls, goji berry recipe
Initially printed on September 15, 2016.
