Simple Energy Balls
They are made from a mixture of nuts, dried fruits, sometimes seeds and other healthy ingredients, so easy to prepare and a super delicious snack: Energy balls. Bite-sized and popular for their convenience, portability, and quick energy boost, energy balls are a favorite among athletes, busy mums with always hungry kids, and health-conscious bloggers …;-)
History of Energy Balls
The concept of energy balls likely evolved from traditional recipes found in various cultures that use nutrient-dense ingredients for quick energy. For instance, in the Middle East, similar snacks like “date balls” have been consumed for centuries. The modern popularity of energy balls grew with the rise of health and fitness trends, emphasizing whole foods and minimally processed ingredients.
Recipe: Peanut Date Citrus Energy Balls
While there are plenty of different ingredients to make energy balls, I still prefer the very basic combination of roasted peanuts and dates. These two alone already make me so happy 😀
For a better forming and to create a good sweet-sour-balance, I add a little citrus juice (lime, lemon or orange).
Sometimes, depending on mood and weather, I also love to add fresh ginger and cinnamon. I keep this as an option in this recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup roasted peanuts
- 3/4 cup pitted dates
- 2 tablespoons citrus juice (lemon or orange)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Prepare Ingredients:
- If using fresh ginger, grate it finely.
- Ensure the dates are pitted, and roughly cut them in pieces for easier blending.
Blend peanuts:
- Place the peanuts and the date pieces in a measuring cup or blender cup. Using an immersion blender, pulse the peanuts until they are coarsely chopped. I usually leave them a bit chunky, means with some larger pieces remaining, but you can blend them more finely too if you wish.
Add Citrus Juice and Optional Ingredients:
- Add some citrus juice and the fresh ginger or ground cinnamon if using. Mix well together with your hands. Adjust with more juice to your taste. Some like it more sour, some less.
Form the Balls:
- Scoop out small portions of the mixture (about a tablespoon each) and roll them into balls using your hands. If the mixture is too sticky, slightly wet your hands with water to make rolling easier.
Chill and Serve:
- Place the energy balls on a tray or plate lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up (optional).
- Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Variations
- Add rolled oats
- Roll the balls in shredded coconut, or work it in
- Replace the peanuts with pan roasted almonds
- Make the batter finer (best if you have a good blender) and work in some cocoa powder
Enjoy your homemade Peanut Date Citrus Energy Balls!
Simple Energy Balls
Equipment
- 1 Blender (I prefer to use my hand blender for smaller amounts like this)
Ingredients
- 1 cup roasted peanuts
- 3/4 cup pitted dates
- 2 tbsp lime or lemon juice can also be orange, it will turn out sweeter though
- 1 tsp fresh ginger optional
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon optional
Instructions
- If using fresh ginger, grate it finely. Ensure the dates are pitted and roughly chop them for easier blending.Place the peanuts and dates in a measuring or blender cup. Using an immersion blender, pulse until the ingredients are coarsely chopped.
- Add the juice and combine well with your fingers or a spoon. Try to see how sour you like it, adjust to your taste.
- Optional: Now work in the ginger and/or cinnamon.
- Scoop out small portions of the mixture (about a tablespoon each) and roll them into balls using your hands. If the mixture is too sticky, slightly wet your hands with water to make rolling easier.Place the energy balls on a tray or plate lined with parchment paper. You can refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up, if you like. I always end up eating them immediately…
- Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.