Happy Valentine's Day!
If you still don't know what to whip up for your sweetie tonight, I have just the thing you might be craving. Yes, it involves chocolate. Yes, it involves quinoa. Yes, it's super healthy. And yes, you can make it in about five minutes.
Do you have any other excuse not to make these to-die-for dark chocolate quinoa truffles? I don't think so! It's time to tempt that special some with some super chocolatey.
When it comes to truffles, I'm all about the texture. You know the Lindtt chocolate commercial, Do You Dream in Chocolate?, where the whole commercial is decadent, melty chocolate? Where the chocolatier stirs a vat of melted chocolate, where the last shot is that little round ball filled to the brim with a creamy chocolate center?
That's what I look for in a truffle. To me that's magic.
I must admit, I can't quite promise these chocolate quinoa truffles resemble the ones I swoon over on TV, but they are close. With a hard chocolate shell, that cracks when you take a bite, and a luscious, gooey center, you'll still be transported to chocolate heaven.
But there's one major difference between my decadent chocolate quinoa truffles and those outrageously tasty Lindtt chocolates. These truffles are healthy! These chocolates are packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, but still taste delicious. Not to mention they're vegan and refined sugar-free too!
So if you want to indulge on this extra special day (with your one and only by your side), but don't want to throw your week of workouts out the window, then pull out your food processor and let's start making truffles!
Dark Chocolate Quinoa Truffles
Ingredients
- 3 medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup flaxseed meal
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 – 1 1/2 teaspoon stevia powder
- 2 tablespoons almond butter (or your favorite nut butter)
- 2 tablespoons honey (maple syrup or agave would also work)
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon stevia powder
- Sea salt (optional as a garnish)
Instructions
- Add the dates to a food processor fit with the steel blade and process until finely chopped. Add the remaining dry ingredients and process until incorporated.
- Add the almond butter and process until combined. Slowly add the honey into the top of the food processor, while the machine is on, and mix until a thick dough forms.
- Scoop the dough from the bowl and roll into 1-inch balls with your hand. Cool in the refrigerator for about half an hour.
- While the truffles are cooling, whip up your chocolate coating by adding all the ingredients into a bowl and mixing until a chocolate syrup forms.
- Remove the chocolate balls from the fridge and dunk / roll them in the melted chocolate sauce. Place them on a wire rack to set, and sprinkle with with salt, then transfer them to a parchment lined plate and refrigerate until the chocolate has set, anther half hour or so.
- Store these truffles in the fridge until you’re ready to eat them.
by Alyssa
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Amount Per Serving | As Served |
| Calories 140kcal Calories from fat 75 | |
| % Daily Value | |
| Total Fat 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat 4g | 20% |
| Sodium 2mg | 0% |
| Carbohydrate 18g | 6% |
| Dietary Fiber 4g | 16% |
| Sugars 11g | |
| Protein 3g | |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs:
| Calories | 2000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | Less than | 65g |
| Sat Fat | Less than | 25g |
| Cholesterol | Less than | 300mg |
| Sodium | Less than | 2,400mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 300g | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25g | |
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Alyssa is the quinoa-obsessed girl behind Simply Quinoa. She's passionate about helping you find health, happiness and balance with wholesome recipes and lifestyle tips.
Julia says
Healthy truffles, you just tickle me pink!! I love these gorgeous little guys and would pop them in my mouth all day without feeling an ounce of guilt! I’ll have to feed them to my boyfriend and have him guess the magic ingredients 😉
Queen of Quinoa says
Hopefully he thinks they’re wildly unhealthy, decadent truffles, then you can surprise him with the actual ingredients 😉 Happy Valentine’s Day!
gb says
yum yum truffles every day please
Alisa says
Quinoa in truffles? What will you think of next?!
Queen of Quinoa says
I swear, this little seed surprises me everyday! I can’t believe how many different types of foods I can put it in. Tonight…it was cheesecake!
Lisa says
Yum Yum YUM, i think ill have to make these tonight! 🙂
Queen of Quinoa says
Let me know how you like them! Have a very happy Valentine’s Day 🙂
Marya says
These are brilliant! And bring on that quinoa cheesecake recipe, please! =)
Queen of Quinoa says
Thanks Marya! They really were delicious. I’m working on the cheesecake recipe – it came out really amazing, but I think I could add a little more quinoa to make it even healthier. Goat cheese and lemon is my flavor combo. Yummo!
Cara says
Yum! I know what you mean about the texture. But as much as I love silky smooth, a little chewier is good too. I bet these are delish!
Luschka says
Hi! Could I use something else other than flax seed flour? (Allergies) Like for example coconut flour? Thanks!
Queen of Quinoa says
Hi Luschka – Unfortunately, I don’t think that coconut flour would work, but you could give it a try! You could replace the flax with any other nut or seed meal, or try to add another scoop or two of protein powder, but I’m afraid that would really change the flavor. I’ll let you know if I do any more experimenting! Would love to know what you try too 🙂
MothersEarth says
I don’t do almost any processed foods. Can you recommend or give an idea what to replace protein powder with?