Protein Super Bars

14. May, 2009

These power bars are absolutely packed with protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy mono-unsaturated fats and well....power. You will almost fell like a superhero when eating these. The secret ingredient is quinoa which is high in protein, calcium and iron, is a good source of vitamin E and contains several of the B vitamins. Quinoa contains an almost perfect balance of all eight essential amino acids needed for tissue development in humans which is why quinoa is considered to be a complete protein.

Note that you will need a food processor to make these bars.

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Wonderfully healthy protein bars

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This recipe is:

Egg free
Gluten free
Lactose (dairy) free
Vegan

Protein Super Bars

Makes 15 protein bars

Ingredients

60 grams (2 oz) pitted dates, chopped coarsely
230 grams (8 oz) figs, short stalks cut off, figs chopped coarsely
100 grams (3½ oz)cashew nuts
15 grams (½ oz) almonds
10 grams (¼ oz) desiccated coconuts
5 tablespoons orange juice
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
3 tablespoons quinoa (whole)
3 tablespoons agave nectar
3 tablespoons soy protein (or whey protein)
2 tablespoons cacao nibs
1 tablespoon goji berries (wolfberries)

Preparation

Chop the 60 grams dates coarsely.
Cut the small stalks off the 230 grams figs. Chop coarsely.
Place 100 grams cashew nuts and 15 grams almonds in the food processor and blend for 30 seconds or until finely ground. Transfer to a large bowl.
Add the 10 grams desiccated coconut, 2 tablespoons cacao nibs, 1 tablespoon goji berries, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons quinoa and 3 tablespoons soy protein and blend for 15 seconds. Transfer to the large bowl.
Now place the dates and the figs in the food processor along with the 5 tablespoons orange juice and 3 tablespoons agave nectar. Mix for 1 minute or until very well combined and sticky. You might need to scrape the sides of the bowl. Continue blending for 15 seconds. Transfer to the large bowl.
With a large wooden spoon (or a stand mixer) combine everything.
Place in the fridge for 1 hour.
Mould the mixture into whatever shape you desire (I always make either bars or small "hamburger" shaped balls).
Wrap each bar into cling film and place in the fridge.
Keep for several weeks.

Tips

You can use honey or maple syrup instead of the agave nectar.
You can use carob powder instead of the cocoa powder.
You can use any protein powder you prefer. Some are vegan and other are non-vegan. Pea protein, soy protein and whey protein are popular and available in most health food stores.
You can use other nuts instead of cashew nuts, try a mixture of Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts and more.
Add a little orange peel and organic orange jam for a nice zesty taste