I was really honored to be invited to demonstrate my recipes in collaboration with South Asian Heart Center and another non profit organization ASAWA (Almaden South Asian Women's Association). It felt awesome to present virtually to a wide audience who were all over the US. This is something new I attempted, even though I was quite skeptical at first. I felt very comfortable and hope to do more in the future. Thanks Anita Sathe and Suchitra Patri for giving me this opportunity.
For a Diwali Sweet Recipe, I shared these Quinoa Truffles. Though technically a seed, Quinoa is classified as a whole grain and is a good source of plant protein and fiber. Just one cup of cooked quinoa provides about 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot make on their own. These truffles also have almonds which have been studied extensively for their benefits on heart health, diabetes, and weight management. The unique nutrient combination of almonds i.e. plant-based protein, fiber and monounsaturated fats, plus key nutrients like vitamin E and magnesium — help make them a heart-healthy snack. It also has Dates and Dark Chocolate, my absolute favorite. Dates are a natural sweetener that can be used to replace the sugar in several recipes such as this truffle. It is a good source of vit B6, potassium, magnesium and iron. Used and consumed in moderation, Dark chocolate can be very beneficial, as it is loaded with nutrients that can positively affect your health.
Here is the recipe, Enjoy!
❤️Healthy Quinoa Almond Truffles
RECIPE
Ingredients
• 1/3 cup quinoa
• 1/2 cup whole almonds
• 1/4 cup finely chopped almonds or pistachios ( for coating the truffles)
• 16 pitted dates
• 2 tbsp peanut butter or almond butter or seed butter or maple syrup or honey
• 1/2 - 1 tsp cinnamon pd
• 1/2 - 1 tsp cardamom powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Rinse quinoa and drain the water well.
2. To make quinoa in the Instant Pot – Add 1/3 cup of water and 1/3 cup of quinoa to a stainless steel bowl. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot Insert. Place the quinoa bowl on the trivet and place the trivet in the Instant Pot. Close the lid and pressure cook for 4 minutes followed by a 10 minute Natural Pressure Release (NPR).
- Quinoa can also be cooked on the stovetop - add 1/3 cup quinoa and 2/3 cup water in a small pot and bring to a rolling boil over medium heat. Lower the heat (to the lowest you can) and cook covered for 10 minutes, turn off the heat and keep covered for 10 minutes.
3. While the quinoa is cooking, slightly roast the almonds and keep aside to cool.
4. In a food processor add the roasted whole almonds, dates, peanut butter (or any nut or seed butter of choice or honey/maple syrup), chocolate chips and cooked quinoa. Blend together for 2-3 minutes or until all the ingredients are well-blended and come together well. .
5. Scoop out the mixture one heaped teaspoon at a time and roll into round truffles. Then roll them in finely chopped pistachios. Make sure you have lightly roasted the pistachios. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to be served.
6. These truffles stay fresh at room temperature for a day or two. They can be refrigerated in an airtight container for upto 2 weeks.
Notes and Tips
Gently heating and slightly toasting the almonds or any nuts on a low flame helps in nutrient absorption.
• Almond butter can be used in place of peanut butter
• Seed butter like sunflower seed butter can be used instead of nut butter
• Dark Chocolate chips can be replaced with 1 to 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder.
• White organic quinoa works best with this recipe.
• If using the bigger Medjool dates, only 8 or 9 pitted dates are needed, as they are softer.
• Cinnamon powder can be added too, it has added benefits. It is loaded with antioxidants.
and lowers blood sugar, and has a powerful anti - diabetic effect.
• Cardamom powder can be added to enhance the taste and add an Indian flavor.
• Variations for dusting the truffles
- Finely chopped almonds
- Cocoa powder
- Shredded coconut
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