This a plant-based snack provides around 114 mg of calcium per serving. In this recipe, I start by grinding black sesame seeds to break them down for easier nutrient absorption. I then set them aside and chop almonds in the food processor and add the rest of the ingredients along with the ground sesame seeds. I pulse everything together until it reaches a thick dough consistency.
With the measurements* listed below, the mixture will not be sticky. If you don't have black sesame seeds, regular sesame seeds can be used instead.
This recipe doesn't use water, which will help extend the shelf-life of your food in the freezer. Be sure to use roasted sesame seeds rather than raw ones. Roasted sesame seeds do not need to be rinsed and dried, and when ground, they will release some of their natural oils, which will help with binding the mixture together.
Calcium is an important micronutrient not only for bone health but also for muscle function, including the heart. Getting 700-1000 mg calcium per day (depending on where you live) on a plant-based diet can be challenging if you don't consume dairy products and don't want to eat tofu every day. Snacking on these bites, consuming chia pudding, and having a glass of orange juice with a spoonful of molasses can add up to help you reach your daily calcium intake goal.
*I use a metric scale in this recipe for more accurate macronutrient and calorie calculations.
In a food processor, grind sesame seeds into a meal consistency and set aside.
Add almonds first and pulse a few times to chop them. Then, add pitted dates, molasses, black sesame meal, and blend until it forms a dough.
Remove the dough and shape it into 30-gram balls, using a scale. Dust the balls with cacao powder.
Store in a sealed container in the freezer for up to three months and in the fridge for up to 5 days. A good serving size is one bite (or ball) per day.
Servings 17
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
The nutritional information on ShapeRecipes is auto-generated based on the ingredients. It may vary depending on the brand and variety of ingredients you use. For example, based on the ingredients I used, each bite is 137.97 Kcal. That's an 8 Kcal difference between the generated calculation and my food labels.
Hi, I'm Lena, a food and health blogger. I love creating meals that are both delicious and healthy. When I'm not meal planning or in the kitchen, you'll find me in the outdoors or simply in a bookstore cafe. Join me on this journey to explore wholesome recipes and make healthy eating enjoyable! 🐾🥗✨
