Who doesn’t love a quick, tasty and healthy snack that you can whip up and have on hand throughout the week? I know I do. There’s something almost magical about transforming a few simple ingredients into a delightful treat that is as nourishing as it is delicious. It’s like turning lead into gold, but much tastier.
Let me introduce you to my newest obsession: Matcha Green Tea Energy Balls. These little gems are like bite-sized bursts of energy wrapped in a sweet and savory package. Plus, they’re a brilliant shade of green! Don’t you just love when your food is not only good for you, but also beautiful to look at?
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. The tea leaves are shaded from the sun for the last few weeks of their growth, increasing the chlorophyll levels and creating a vibrant green color. Then, the leaves are carefully ground with stone grinding wheels to produce a fine powder.
In addition to its unique, rich flavor, matcha is renowned for its health benefits. It’s packed with antioxidants, aids in detoxification, and even has a calming effect on the body and mind.
The Power of Energy Balls
Energy balls are a popular snack choice for a reason. They’re easy to make, incredibly versatile, and perfect for on-the-go snacking. Plus, with the right combination of ingredients, they can pack a powerful nutritional punch.
These Matcha Green Tea Energy Balls combine the health benefits of matcha with protein-packed nuts and seeds, fibre-rich oats, and natural sweeteners like honey or dates. The result? A snack that’s not only delicious, but also incredibly good for you.
Creating Your Energy Balls
One of the best things about making energy balls is how simple they are to create. Essentially, all you need to do is blend your ingredients together, roll the mixture into balls, and let them firm up in the refrigerator. No baking required!
This makes them an ideal recipe for those with busy schedules, or anyone who prefers a no-fuss approach to snacking. Plus, they’re great for meal prep. Make a batch at the start of the week, and you have a healthy snack ready to go whenever you need it.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 2 tablespoons honey or 4-5 dates
- 2 tablespoons matcha green tea powder
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until well combined and sticky.
- Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls.
- Place the balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooling Time: 2 hours
Tips for Matcha Green Tea Energy Balls
Make sure your hands are slightly wet when rolling the mixture into balls, as this helps prevent sticking. If you’re using dates instead of honey, be sure to remove the pits and soak them in hot water for 10 minutes beforehand to soften. You can also adjust the sweetness of your energy balls by adding more or less honey or dates to taste.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
These Matcha Green Tea Energy Balls are a delicious and unique snack. They offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, and their vibrant green color is sure to brighten up your snack time. Plus, with their powerhouse of nutrients, these energy balls are as good for you as they are tasty.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 2mg
- Carbohydrate: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 3g