Vegan chocolate truffles

Chocolate Vegan Truffles - a Healthy and Elegant Treat

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: approximately 12-15 truffles

Discover a simple and quick recipe to indulge your taste buds without breaking your vegan diet. These chocolate truffles are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, thanks to the natural ingredients they contain. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy something sweet, these truffles are sure to please everyone.

A Short Story

Chocolate truffles were invented in the 19th century, but they have evolved over the years, becoming a symbol of refinement and delightful taste. This recipe pays homage to that tradition, but without any animal-derived ingredients, making it a perfect choice for those following a vegan or fasting diet.

Basic Ingredients

To prepare these chocolate truffles, you will need the following ingredients:

- 120 g pitted dates (an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants)
- 70 g dried plums (you can also use raisins or dried apricots, which add a sweet taste and pleasant texture)
- 50 g almond flour (or walnut or hazelnut meal for a distinct flavor)
- 25 g cocoa powder (choose a high-quality version for an intense taste)
- 30 g shredded coconut (which adds an exotic note and a crunchy texture)
- 20 g seed mix (chia, hemp, flax, pumpkin, or sunflower seeds for a nutrient boost)
- 10 g Green Sugar (a natural sweetener that does not affect blood sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a wonderful aroma)
- 1-2 tablespoons water (optional, to adjust consistency)
- Cocoa powder and shredded coconut for finishing the truffles

Step-by-step - Your Personal Guide

1. Start with the dates and plums: Place the dates and dried plums in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for 15 minutes. This step is essential, as the moisture will help achieve a smooth texture for your truffles.

2. Drain and prepare the ingredients: After 15 minutes, drain the dates and plums very well. It's important to eliminate excess water, as it could make the mixture too wet. Once drained, transfer them to the food processor bowl.

3. Add the ingredients: Add the almond flour, cocoa powder, shredded coconut, seed mix, Green Sugar, and vanilla extract to the processor. If you find the mixture too dry, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of water, but be careful not to overdo it.

4. Blend the mixture: Blend the ingredients until you achieve a homogeneous dough. If the mixture seems too sticky, you can add a bit more cocoa powder or almond flour to adjust the consistency.

5. Chill the dough: Once you have a uniform dough, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it will make the truffles easier to shape.

6. Form the truffles: After the dough has cooled, take it out of the fridge and use your hands to form small balls, about the size of a walnut. Make sure to shape them evenly for a visually appealing look.

7. Finish the truffles: Rolling the truffles in cocoa powder or shredded coconut is optional but recommended, as it adds an attractive visual element and an extra burst of flavor. Choose your favorite option or even combine them for a diverse tasting experience.

8. Store the truffles: Place the truffles in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They can be consumed for about 1 week, although they are so delicious that they might not last that long!

Helpful Tips

- Ingredient alternatives: If you don't have almond flour, you can use walnut or hazelnut meal. Shredded coconut can be replaced with ground pistachios or cocoa nibs for an interesting texture.

- Natural sweetening: Green Sugar is an excellent choice, but you can also use maple syrup or honey if your dietary restrictions allow.

- Tricks for an intense flavor: If you want an even deeper chocolate flavor, you can add a bit of coffee or espresso extract to the dough, which will enhance the cocoa aroma.

Pairings and Serving Suggestions

These truffles pair wonderfully with a cup of green tea or a herbal drink, which will contrast nicely with the sweetness of the truffles. You can also serve them alongside a glass of almond milk or your preferred plant-based beverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I replace the dates with something else?
- Yes, you can use dried figs or dried bananas, but these will slightly alter the final taste and texture.

2. What can I do with leftover truffles?
- You can use them as a topping for a smoothie bowl or add them to your favorite yogurt.

3. What other flavoring options can I use?
- Add cinnamon, ginger, or turmeric for an interesting aromatic note, or even a splash of orange essential oil for a burst of freshness.

Nutrition

These chocolate vegan truffles are not only tasty but also nutritious. Dates are rich in fiber, aiding digestion, while dried plums contribute to heart health. Cocoa powder is known for its antioxidant properties, and the seed mix provides protein and essential fatty acids. Additionally, this quick dessert is relatively low in calories compared to other sweets, having about 80-100 calories per truffle.

In conclusion, these chocolate vegan truffles are a perfect choice for moments when you need a sweet yet healthy treat. Easy to make and full of flavor, they are sure to bring you joy with every bite. Try them and enjoy every moment of cooking!