Chickpea Chocolate Truffles

As a nutritionist, my primary goal is to help individuals maintain a healthy lifestyle without compromising on taste. Today, This post is dedicated to a versatile and nutrient-rich ingredient that might surprise you in the realm of desserts - Chickpeas! Often praised for their role in savoury dishes, chickpeas can be just as transformative and delightful in sweet treats. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits and creative ways to incorporate chickpeas into desserts, ensuring your indulgences remain guilt-free.

The Nutritional Powerhouse: Chickpeas

Before we delve into the delectable desserts, let's take a moment to appreciate the nutritional capacity of chickpeas. These legumes are packed with protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent addition to any balanced diet.

Protein: Chickpeas are a great plant-based protein source, making them ideal for vegans and vegetarians. Protein is essential for tissue repair and muscle function, making it a crucial component of our overall health.

Fibre: High in dietary fibre, chickpeas aid in digestion, promote a feeling of fullness, and stabilize blood sugar levels. This means fewer cravings and a more regulated energy throughout the day.

Vitamins and Minerals: Chickpeas are rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as folate, iron, phosphorus, and magnesium. These nutrients play essential roles in various bodily functions, including immune support and bone health.

Low in Fat: Unlike traditional dessert ingredients, chickpeas contain very little saturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health.

By integrating chickpeas into desserts, you're not only adding a unique flavour and texture but also elevating the nutritional profile of your sweet creations.

The Creamy and Smooth Base

Chickpeas possess a naturally creamy texture that can be harnessed to create delectable dessert bases. One popular way to use chickpeas is by blending them into a smooth puree. This puree acts as an ideal substitute for butter or oil in various recipes, reducing saturated fat content and increasing fibre intake. The result? Velvety, moist desserts that maintain their richness without the extra calories.

Sweetening the Deal: Natural and Wholesome

When using chickpeas in desserts, we have the chance to experiment with various natural sweeteners. Dates, honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar can be combined with chickpeas to enhance sweetness without relying solely on refined sugar. This approach not only reduces empty calories but also preserves the natural flavour of the ingredients.

Amp Up the Flavour with Mix-ins

Chickpeas can act as a blank canvas for various flavours, allowing you to get creative with mix-ins. Whether you choose dark chocolate chips, dried fruits, nuts, or coconut flakes, these additions bring new dimensions to your desserts. The combination of crunchy, chewy, and smooth textures will surely elevate your taste experience.

Incorporating chickpeas into your desserts is a wonderful way to enjoy sweets guilt-free while boosting your nutrient intake. With their high protein and fibre content, chickpeas are the secret ingredient that adds a nutritious punch to your favorite treats. So, go ahead and embark on a journey of sweet experimentation in your kitchen with these versatile legumes. Your taste buds and your body will thank you!

Remember, a balanced and mindful approach to eating allows room for indulgence without sacrificing health. Embrace the goodness of chickpeas and enjoy the bliss of guilt-free, delicious desserts. Happy baking!

Chocolate Chickpea Truffles

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 400g chickpeas, drained & rinsed

• 1/3 cup almond butter

• 1/4 cup cacao butter

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 2 tbsp collagen powder

• Pinch of salt

• 100g 70% dark chocolate

• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Directions

1. Add chickpeas, almond butter, cacao, maple syrup and collagen powder in a blender. Blend until well combined and texture is smooth and creamy.

2. Spoon chickpea mixture on to a lined baking tray (approx. 2 tbsp of mixture in each ball). Place in the freezer for 20-25 minutes. *freezing allows the mixture to firm up making the truffles easier to roll into shape.

3. Meanwhile, combined chocolate and coconut oil and melt in the microwave or over the stove.

4. Remove chickpea mixture from freezer and shape into small balls.

5. Coat in melted chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt.

6. Place back in the fridge until chocolate is set.