Amaranth energy balls with dates and cashews are no bake gluten free energy balls that are so flavorful, rich and delicious. These are perfect for a snack to give you a boost of energy or a great dessert-like energy bite.
Heat a skillet at medium high until it is hot. If you hold your palm over the skillet you should feel the heat.
Sprinkle a pinch of amaranth seeds to test if the skillet is ready. It is ready when the seeds start to pop immediately. If it is not hot enough the seeds will not pop quickly and if it is too hot some of the seeds may burn quickly.
You must experiment it a few times until you have figured out the right temperature for your skillet and stove.
When the skillet temperature seems to be appropriate, spread one tablespoon of amaranth seeds evenly and place a lid over it (preferably a see through glass lid). Quickly swirl the pan over the heating source as the seeds pop.
When the popping slows down, transfer the popped amaranth to a plate and spread it to cool down. You may also put them through a sieve to get rid of the seeds that did not pop.
Repeat with remaining 3 tablespoons of the amaranth seeds to get about 1 cup of popped amaranth.
AMARANTH ENERGY BALLS WITH DATES
Process the dates into a smooth paste in a food processor and set aside.
Heat the ghee over medium heat and lightly toast the cashew halves and chopped almonds.
Next add the raisins and stir a minute, making sure they don't burn.
Then add the cardamom and turn off the heat and take the pan away from stove and set aside
Add the puffed amaranth, almond flour, grated dry coconut, cashew butter, date paste, honey, nuts and raisins.
Using a flat wooden spatula mix it all very well into a smooth cohesive mixture.
Take 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll them into amaranth energy balls. You could make sure to have the cashews and raisins show up on the surface for a nice appeal.
Store in an airtight container.
Notes
You can check if the skillet or pan is ready for popping Amaranth by putting a few drops of water on the hot pan. The drops of water should evaporate immediately on contact with the hot surface.
Amaranth is easily available in health food/specialty sections of most grocery stores, health food and specialty stores and online.
Ghee and cardamom are available at Indian grocery stores, some large grocery stores and online.
You can also easily make ghee at home. Checkout the instructions in the notes section of Cardamom Chickpea Cookies.
For more tips and serving suggestions check out the blog post above.