Matcha Energy Balls with Black Sesame Seeds

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Another matcha green tea recipe? Absolutely, positively YES!!!

I have become a little bit obsessed with matcha green tea. I shared a recipe for soft matcha blueberry cookies on the blog last week, I have also been loving matcha lattes on weekend mornings, and now these cute little matcha energy balls.  I have no shame for all of the matcha consumption. GIVE ME MORE MATCHA PLEASE!!!!

In the last few years I have really learned to love the subtle grassy taste of matcha green tea powder that only matcha can provide. The first time I ever experienced matcha green tea was when I ordered a matcha latte at a tea shop, I wanted to know what all the rage was about…it was not sweetened at all, resulting in a bitter latte that just tasted like grass clippings. I choked it down so I didn’t waist the money.

It took me a little while before I tried matcha again and soon discovered that the quality of the matcha tea and the brand does matter – you don’t want to blindly pick up any old thing of matcha green tea powder without doing a little research first…trust me, I know from experience.

Btw I love using the brand Jade Leaf.

I also learned that matcha green tea powder needs to be sweetened in some form. Without sweetness it’s very bitter (remember grass clippings?). Once matcha green tea is sweetened it magically turns into this beautiful subtle note of grassy flavor with hints of vanilla. And that grassy flavor is not like grass clippings anymore, it’s just a lovely one-of-a-kind flavor that only matcha can provide.

These cute little matcha energy balls are purely sweetened with sticky dates. They are tender, chewy, sweet, with the perfect amount of subtle matcha flavors and topped with little gems of black sesame seeds that provide a nice nutty flavor and a little crunch.

These matcha energy balls are bites of heaven!

Now before you go thinking that the black sesame seeds sound all weird…just trust me okay? There is something about the combo of the matcha green tea with black sesame seeds that go so well together. It’s a surprising combo. I prefer to put the sesame seeds just on top each energy ball rather than cover the entire thing so you get just the right amount of black sesame seeds, they won’t be overpowering.

These matcha energy balls are easy to make, all done in the food processor. They only require 8 ingredients and 20 minutes to make. They make the perfect morning snack, pre or post workout snack, or for a little afternoon pick me up. I love that tiny amount of caffeine you get from the matcha tea, GOOD MORNING!!!!

Let’s discuss all the ways these matcha energy balls are good for you…

• Matcha tea – super high in antioxidants, specifically EGCg, a cancer fighting antioxidant. The type of caffeine in matcha promotes energy levels without any jitters you might get from coffee or other strong teas. At the same time matcha promotes energy it enhances calm feelings due to the amino acid L-Theanine. Matcha also helps to burn calories, and it detoxes the body because of the chlorophyll (btw matcha is ground up green tea leaves. You are consuming the actual plant versus just steeping the leaf like regular green tea). I’ll take another one of those matcha energy balls please! kthanks!!!
• Pepeitas (AKA shelled pumpkin seeds) – rich in antioxidants, iron, zinc (good for the immune system), and magnesium (great for healthy bones)…powerhouse seed! They also reduce inflammation in the body and are a great source of fiber and healthy fats which help us to feel full longer!
• Almonds – Packed with more healthy fats, and protein. They are also loaded with antioxidants (we are just winning on the antioxidants with this recipe!) Almonds are loaded with vitamin E which  helps to build up cell membranes – so cool!
• Dates  – A healthier option to naturally sweeten foods. They are packed with fiber, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6 and more. Dates can help with digestion, are an anti-inflammatory. Plus they taste AMAZING!
• Maca root powder (an optional ingredient) – provides energy and helps to balance hormones and promote libido.
• Black Sesame Seeds – packed with vitamin B, iron, calcium, and zinc making them great for healthy bones. They are also packed with antioxidants and healthy fats and fiber.

Bottom line: These matcha energy balls with black sesame seeds will give you a little caffeine boost and a sense of calm. They will provide loads of antioxidants, fiber, healthy fats, and protein all while giving you tons of energy through out your day!

All of that from a little green ball?!

Maybe I should have called this recipe magical energy balls?!

Now that you know all the health benefits of matcha green tea powder you want more recipes use it in…right? Try these: Matcha cherry energy balls, detox matcha chia pudding with mango, super green pineapple lime cilantro smoothie, and last weeks post – soft matcha blueberry cookies.

Now you can get to Matcha-ing!!! New word?! I think so!

Matcha Energy Balls with Black Sesame Seeds

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• Author: Emily Koch
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Yield: 17 to 19 energy balls 1x
• Category: Snack, Breakfast
• Cuisine: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free

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Description

Matcha energy balls are nutrient dense: rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and fiber to keep you going. They make the perfect snack any time of day!

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup raw pepitas (shelled pumpkln seeds)
• 1 cup raw, blanched almonds (I like to use almond slivers)
• 1 tablespoon culinary grade matcha green tea powder (I like to usethis brand)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Optional: 2 teaspoons maca root powder – I use this brand
• Pinch salt
• 1 1/2 cups sticky medjool Dates pitted*
• 2 to 4 tablespoons water
• 2 to 3 tablespoons black sesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pulse nuts: Add the pepitas, almonds, matcha green tea powder, and maca powder (if using) to a food processor. Pulse until a semi-fine meal is achieved. Don’t pulse too long otherwise it will turn into butter (see photo in post).
2. Add Dates: Add half of the pitted dates to the ground nuts. Pulse until the dates are semi-incorporated and small chunks remain. Add the remaining dates and continue processing until they are well incorporated and no chunks remain.
3. Add the water & vanilla extract: While the food processor is running add the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of water. Stop the processor from running and remove the lid, squeeze some of the mixture between your fingers, if it sticks together well then you are done. If it seems crumbly then add 1 to 2 more tablespoons of water (how much water you need will depend on how sticky your dates are).
4. Form the balls: Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop a about 1 tablespoon of the dough and roll it into a ball using your hands (I like to use a small cookie scoop to help my form even sized balls), and set the balls onto the parchment lined baking sheet. Repeat until you’ve worked through all the dough – you should have 17 to 19 balls.
5. Top with black sesame seeds: Place the sesame seeds in a shallow bowl, or plate. Take an energy ball and gently roll the top of the balls around in the sesame seeds. Use your fingers to slightly press the sesame seeds into the ball so that they stick., place the ball back on the baking sheet. Continue to add the sesame seeds until all the balls are finished.
6. Chill**: Chill the balls in the freezer for 15 minutes.
7. Store/eat: Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or up to 6 months in the freezer. Either eat them right away or enjoy them for a pre or post workout snack, afternoon snack, or in lunch boxes.

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Notes

*Dates: If your dates are not sticky soak them in hot water for 10 minutes. Drain them before proceeding with the recipe.

**If you’re in a hurry you can skip the freezing step and just pop them into an air tight container and store them in the fridge. The freezing step just helps the balls to retain their shape.

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