Chickpea Bites

These are a perfect snack for before a gym workout, providing protein and carbohydrate - whats more they are so simple to make! In order to be representative of protein-energy balls I would recommend taking two per serving, providing around 12g of protein.

Ideally a food processor would be used to make these, however, if you don’t have one don’t fret. Simple mash the chickpeas, crush the almonds and follow the recipe. It will provide more texture and taste just as delicious.

Play around with the flavour combinations, get creative and let me know what you choose!

Yields ~14 balls

Ingredients:

230g Chickpeas, drained & rinsed

70g Whole Almonds

1tbsp. Pip & Nut Almond Butter

30g Unflavoured Protein Powder

1 tsp. Cinnamon

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

1tbsp. Manuka Honey

100g Arla Skyr Natural (Yogurt)

1 tbsp Coconut Oil

25g Desiccated Coconut, & some for decorating (optional)

50g Lindt Almond and Chocolate, chopped (optional), & some for decorating

Method:

1). Place the chickpeas, almonds and almond butter in a food processor. Once turned into a paste (note this may not be smooth but have some texture, that’s okay) add the protein powder, cinnamon, vanilla extract, honey, Skyr, coconut oil and blitz again until combined. Then add the coconut and chocolate. Blitz until all combined but not too long otherwise the chocolate may begin to melt.

2). Chill in the freezer for ~30minutes before shaping.

3). Shape into balls using your hands. Place on a plate.

4). Finally, if decorating, melt some chocolate (~70g). Pick each ball up with your hand and place it into the chocolate. Lift out with a fork and roll in desiccated coconut. Place on a cooling rack with some paper underneath to catch any chocolate drippings.

5). Enjoy!

Nutritional Composition (per ball):

Energy (kcal): 119

Fat (g): 7.6

Saturates (g): 2.9

Carbohydrates (g): 5.6

Sugars (g): 2.8

Protein: 5.9

The Sports Chef