Honey Cocoa Balls with Red Lentils from Canadian Lentils
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Yields: 36 servings
Equipment:
Saucepan
Paper towel
Food processor
Spatula
Wooden spoons
Wax paper
Clear glass bowls (small)
Sealed container
Ingredients:
2/3 cup (150 mL) dry red lentils
1 cup (250 mL) honey (if crystallized, heat briefly in the microwave or a small saucepan just until it’s liquid again, allow to cool before proceeding)
1 1/3 cup (325 mL) smooth natural peanut butter
1/3 cup (75 mL) cocoa
1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) salt
1/3 cup (75 mL) sesame seeds
1/2 cup (125 mL) unsweetened coconut
1/2 cup (125 mL) cocoa (garnish)
1/2 cup (125 mL) unsweetened coconut (garnish)
Directions:
1. In a small saucepan, cover lentils with water by an inch or two, bring to a boil and simmer until soft, about 15-20 minutes. Rinse very briefly, then drain and let cool in colander. Lay out a double thickness of sturdy paper towel on counter. Using your hands, and working one handful at a time, squeeze out as much water as possible out of lentils and then spread lentils out on paper towel. Cover with another two paper towels and then press or gently wring to remove even more liquid: lentils should be almost powdery in texture when you’re done. Transfer to food processor bowl.
2. Pour honey over lentils, and process until as smooth as possible. Add peanut butter and process until the mixture stiffens, about a minute. Transfer to a medium bowl and add cocoa, salt, sesame seeds and coconut, and stir until thoroughly combined. Cover and refrigerate until firm, about an hour or two (or you can place in the freezer for about 30 minutes).
3. Roll mixture (2 Tbsp/30 mL) into balls about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, and roll in additional cocoa or coconut to coat. Store in a sealed container in fridge for up to two weeks.
Nutritional Information per serving:
Energy 130
Protein 4 g
Carbohydrates 13 g
Total Fat 7 g
Fibre 2 g
Sodium 45 mg
Sugars 8 g
