Spring means warmth, warmth means greenery, greenery means green treats, and green treats must involve spirulina.
Spirulina is a wonderful “superfood” with a long list of health promoting nutrients. It is a really good protein and iron source, as well as B-12, which makes this algae such a great supplement for vegetarians and vegans. Spirulina also detoxifies the body and boosts the immune system thanks to the high amounts of chlorophyll. You can purchase spirulina from any health food store, such as Whole Foods Market. Be sure to read the label though, as spirulina can come in tablets or powdered form. I always purchase mine in a powdered form to make treats high in proteins and essential amino acids!
Hemp Almond Spirulina Bites
Author: Rachel Chew
Recipe type: Snacks
Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten-free, Raw
Prep time:
Total time:
These powerhouse superfood bites are perfect for a quick energy and protein boost while on-the-go. The measurements I have given is an estimate of what I have put in because I rarely use measurement cups or spoons. The beauty of raw vegan foods is that you really don't have to follow a recipe completely because there is no baking and chemistry involved here. Just the raw, wholesome ingredients and your own taste preference. So if you want your bites to be less sweet, add less dates and more almond butter, and vice versa.
Ingredients
- 1½ c. almonds
- ½ c. hulled hemp seeds
- 1 c. medjool dates, pitted
- ⅓ c. almond butter
- 1 tsp. vanilla paste*
- 2-3 tsp. spirulina powder**
- Few grinds of Himalayan sea salt
Instructions
- In your food processor, add in your almonds and pulse for 13-15 short pulses, or until the nuts are chopped to the size you desire.
- Add in the hemp and pulse 1-2 times. Then, add in the rest of the ingredients and continue pulsing.
- It is very normal to have your ingredients clump up into a huge ball that refuses to move after a few pulses in the food processor; simply dissect the clump with your rubber spatula and continue pulsing until you see the texture pictured above.
- If your mixture is crumbly and wont stick together, add more dates or almond butter.
- If your mixture is too sticky, add more hemp seeds.
- Roll them into bite-sized balls with your hands and put them in your mouth immediately or place them in a container for refrigeration.
- You can also roll them in hemp seeds or unsweetened shredded coconut if you want to glam them up for company, but I always get too excited to eat them to do this extra step.
Notes
*Vanilla paste can be subbed with 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
**For those new to spirulina, I suggest 2-3 tsp. to start, but feel free to add more for a stronger earthy flavour. I used 3 heaping tsp.
**For those new to spirulina, I suggest 2-3 tsp. to start, but feel free to add more for a stronger earthy flavour. I used 3 heaping tsp.
Definitely paw lickin’ good 🙂
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