So I've recently been wondering about vegan dishes. I was inspired by the folks I work with who are really health conscious, and I wonder how they enjoy their meals without compromising flavor. I have a very strong sweet preferences, which is why the majority of the recipes on this page are sweets. And of course, the first vegan recipe I looked up was for pastries, which I couldn't live without. Surprisingly, there are loads of vegan dessert dishes that not only satisfy my sweet cravings but also leave me feeling guilt-free...which is awesome!
I attempted to make several of our pantry staples more nutritious, such as converting from white rice to black rice, conventional pasta to whole wheat or plant-based pasta, and table sugar to plant-based sweeteners. Yes, it relieves part of my guilt, but I still feel like it's not enough, and I know there's more I can do. So I read about Mediterranean food, vegetarian meals, and vegan recipes, and as I learned more about them, I realized that we can still enjoy the foods we love in a healthier form...thanks to those who developed plant-based products that can be used as a substitute for some pastry ingredients and meat. Now, this does not mean that I am abandoning traditional sweet sweets; they are still available as a treat, but I am discovering new recipes and ways to elevate them to a guilt-free everyday delight.
This dish was found in a fantastic app called Pick Up Limes, which includes a ton of wonderful vegan recipes where you can surprisingly find all of your favorite foods in a healthy version. This energy-packed dessert is made with all-natural dates, seeds, and nuts and requires no sugar or artificial flavoring thanks to the natural sweetness and nutty flavor of the ingredients. Just one of these morsels will provide you with enough energy to get through the day and fulfill your sweet desire without guilt.
Makes 8 balls
Ingredients:
1 cup Medjool pitted dates
1/2 cup roasted unsalted cashews
2 tbsp Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
1 tbsp ground flaxseeds
4 tbsp peanut butter powder mixed with 3 tbsp water (*you can also use store bought peanut butter, or any nut butter of your choice)
Coating: Toasted sesame seeds, cocoa powder
Instructions:
Make the dough. In a food processor, add dates, cashews, cocoa powder, sesame seeds and flaxseeds. Blend until well combined and holds together.
Form the balls. Using an ice cream scooper or scoop 1 and 1/2 tbsp of the dough and roll into a ball.
Put in the filling. Flatten the ball and place 1 tsp of peanut butter at the center of the dough. Seal by pinching the edges of the dough together, and form it to a ball again.
Coat the balls. In 2 flat plates, pour in sesame seeds and cocoa powder separately.
Enjoy!
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