Chocolate Adzuki Protein Bites

adzukichoco1This is my second recipe with japanese adzuki beans and hemp, if you liked a Adzuki Hemp Truffles Weight Loss Recipe, you will like this recipe as well. Chocolate Adzuki Protein Bites don’t taste like beans, the adzuki really just adds a nice creamy texture to them but what you taste is the chocolate.

I like to add some raw hemp protein to these sweets to make them protein rich. Hemp protein powder is one of the cleanest, most whole food sources of protein powder you can use in any of your recipes. Hemp protein is cholesterol-free,  rich in magnesium, which will gives you energy for the day, assist in healthy nervous system function, and even keep you regular. When most people hear “hemp,” they think of marijuana. While raw hemp protein does come from the seed of the Cannabis sativa plant, hemp seeds do not contain the psychoactive or intoxicating compounds. Hemp protein is easy to digest. It contains two types of proteins, edestin and albumin, which are known as globular proteins. Globular proteins dissolve easily so they are readily accessible for the body to use. This is in contrast to soy protein, for example, which can be more difficult for the body to digest. Soy contains inhibitors that block the action of trypsin and other enzymes that are needed to break down protein. This can often result in unwanted bloating and gas.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup cooked adzuki beans
  • 2 tbsp raw cacao powder
  • 1 heaped tbsp raw hemp protein
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional)
  • 5 or so pitted dates (or 4 tbsp coconut syrup or other sweetener)*
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch sea salt
  • 1-2 teaspoons nut milk (optional)

    *If you will use dates like me, the first step is setting your dates to soak. This will soften them so that they’re ready to puree. Put the dates in a bowl with warm water and let them sit. 

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In a food processor or blender, blend all ingredients together until nice and creamy. It may take a minute or two – if it’s too dry you can add a splash of nut milk but it’s not really necessary. You’ll end up with this great creamy mixture. Scoop out the dough a tablespoon or so at a time and roll into balls.

I rolled them in three different toppings: raw hulled hemp seeds, matcha, and raw cacao powder. You can do all three or just one or pick something else to use as a topping (if you do, let me know how it turns out!). Spread your toppings on a small plate and roll the balls around in it until they are covered. Set them in the fridge for about an hour or so to firm up and enjoy!

Bon Appetit! 

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