Raw Protein Balls by Organic Eat

## Organic Raw Protein Balls Recipe

#### Ingredients:
– 3 cups dates (softened in hot water, then drained)
– 3 cups ground almonds
– 1 cup cacao powder
– 3 tablespoons chia gel (1 part chia seeds, 4 parts water)
– Pinch of sea salt
– 1 cup shredded coconut
– 1 cup coconut oil

#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Chia Gel**:
– Combine 1 part chia seeds with 4 parts water.
– Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency.

2. **Blend Base Ingredients**:
– In a food processor, blend the softened dates until smooth.
– Add ground almonds, cacao powder, chia gel, and a pinch of sea salt.
– Blend until all ingredients are well combined.

3. **Incorporate Coconut**:
– Add the shredded coconut and coconut oil.
– Blend again until the mixture is uniform and holds together when pressed.

4. **Shape the Balls**:
– Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).

#### Variations for Different Flavors:

1. **Coconut and Goji**:
– Mix 100g goji berries into the base mixture.
– Roll the balls in additional shredded coconut.

2. **Cacao and Maca**:
– Add 1 cup cacao nibs to the base mixture.
– Roll the balls in cacao nibs.

3. **Orange and Pepita**:
– Add the zest and juice of 2 oranges to the base mixture.
– Mix in 1 cup ground roasted pepitas.
– Roll the balls in additional ground roasted pepitas.

4. **Raspberry**:
– Substitute the goji berries with freeze-dried raspberries and follow the same steps as the Coconut and Goji variation.

5. **Peanut Caramel**:
– Add 1 cup ground peanuts and 1 cup peanut butter to the base mixture.
– Dissolve 1 cup coconut sugar in ½ cup coconut cream, then add it to the mixture.
– Roll the balls in ground peanuts.

#### Storage:
– Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze for longer storage.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious protein balls!