Okay, I know what youāre thinking. Chocolate + tahini + quinoa. In an energy bite?
Yes, it sounds a little crazy, but just stick with me. I promise, these little balls of chocolatey goodness are seriously delicious.
The inspiration for these little quinoa energy bites came when I was browsing the nut butter aisle of Whole Foods (read staring in paralysis because I want this to be my pantry), and I spotted something interesting: black tahini.
Obviously since Iām obsessed with tahini, I had to get it. And granted, I was also just curious because ummm what the heck does black tahini taste like!?
Let me tell you: it sat in my cupboard for a good week before I dared open it.
I mean this stuff is a totally crazy color, and since more often than not tahini finds its way into my salad dressings, I was a little scared to try it. Creamy black salad dressing? Not really sure how I feel about thatā¦
But finally I cracked it open, and guess what I found inside? Instead of the sort of nutty, kind of mild taste of tahini, black tahini has a very pronounced sesame flavor and is much thinner than the tahini Iāve seen in the past. Itās creamy, smooth and definitely on the savory side. But dang it sure does taste good!
If it wasnāt this crazy color, Iād want to smother it all over a cold sesame noodle salad. Mmmhmmm! (and p.s. I still might totally do it…don't put it past me)
I was contemplating what to make, tried salad dressing and yes delish but the color is insane. Then I thought about what other ingredients were dark. CHOCOLATE!
I had run out of my latest batch of energy bites, so it just kind of made sense. Iād make them on the sweeter side (more dates please!) and use the black tahini instead of my traditional nut/seed butter. Then for the quinoa aspect, instead of quinoa crispies which I know a lot of you have trouble finding, I went with toasted quinoa. Remember that stuff that I added to my salads all the time this summer?
Yep. You guys these energy bites totally work. Theyāre sweet and full of dark chocolate flavor, but with an unexpected hint of savory nuttiness. Plus, thereās a little crunch from the toasted quinoa.
What I think youāll also really love about these bites is…
- they only require 5 ingredients
- they donāt have to be refrigerated
Lots of energy bites lose their shape when theyāre kept at room temperature because they use coconut oil, but not these bad boys! They're only 5 super simple ingredients and I actually think theyāre better at room temp. Sooo that means theyāre the perfect on-the-go snack or treat.
Pop them in your workout bag, your purse or in your glove box (what, you donāt keep chocolate in your glove box?) – theyāre a great pick-me-up energy boost that taste pretty freakinā great too.
Enjoy my chocolate-loving who isnāt afraid of munchinā a little outside the box š
xx Alyssa
PS: if you make this recipe (or any others!) make sure to snap a pic and share it on Instagram using hashtag #SIMPLYQUINOA – I want to see your creations!
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5-Ingredient Chocolate + Tahini Quinoa Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, almonds, etc.
- 1 cup medjool dates about 12
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
- 1/4 cup black tahini
- 1/4 cup toasted quinoa
Instructions
- Add pecans (or nuts of choice) into a food processor. Pulse a few times to chop them up.
- Remove the pits from the dates and add them to the food processor. Process until dates have broken down and mixture is fully combined. Add cacao powder and tahini and process until the ingredients start to come together to form a dough. Pulse in the toasted quinoa.
- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, shape the dough into small balls using your hand. (You might have to squeeze them together a few times to really incorporate the ingredients)
- Store at room temp for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
