Matcha Energy Balls are filled with sweet dried dates, raw cashews, cocoa, protein powder, and matcha which creates a quick healthy energizing snack.

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One of the latest buzz words in nutrition is antioxidants which are naturally occurring chemicals compounds that prevent chronic diseases and aging. The more you can get into your diet the more your body can fight against these.  

Fruits and vegetables are filled with antioxidant properties however matcha surpasses them all in comparison, considering it better than most superfoods.  

WHAT IS MATCHA POWDER?

Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. The green tea plants for matcha are grown in the shade for approximately the last three weeks before harvest.

This allows for the plants to produces more theanine and caffeine. When harvested the stems and veins are removed before the plant is dried and ground into a fine powder. This is consumed by dissolving in water or milk. 

Jade Leaf Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder 

WHY IS MATCHA GOOD FOR YOU?

Among many of the health benefits matcha provides is it boosts metabolism and burns calories, detoxifies effectively and naturally. It is rich in fiber, chlorophyll, and vitamins and it enhances mood and aids in concentration.  It also provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium and lowers cholesterol and blood sugar. 

I personally drink it daily as a colon cancer survivor. Matcha contains a unique potent class of antioxidant known as catechins which can not be found in any other foods. The catechin EGCg(epigallocatechin gallate) provides potent cancer-fighting properties. Catechins contort the effects of free radicals from pollution, UV rays, radiation and, chemicals.

These can lead to cell and DNA damage. Since over 60% of the catechins in matcha is actually EGCg, drinking matcha daily can help restore and preserve the body’s well-being and balance. 

WHAT IS AN ENERGY BALL?

Energy balls are a satiating combination of protein, good carbs, healthy fats, and a touch of natural sweetness. They are easy to take along for a healthy on-the-go snack after exercising or a busy day working at the office.

WHAT DO MATCHA ENERGY BALLS TASTE LIKE?

I am always looking for recipes that help me get more matcha into my diet so I created these matcha power balls. Each energy ball is filled with sweet dried dates, raw cashews, cocoa powder, and matcha which creates a fudgy chewy inside and a fresh crisp outside.

ARE PROTEIN BALLS BAD FOR YOU?

Protein balls can be a healthy snack when incorporated into a balanced diet. They shouldn’t be eaten as though they’re a balanced meal. They are meant to be a quick, nutritious snack.

HOW TO MAKE MATCHA ENERGY BALLS

• Add dates and cashews to food processor and process until they form a sticky ball
• Add cocoa powder, matcha powder, protein powder, and almond milk
• Process until all ingredients have been combined and cocoa into a large sticky ball again.
• Grease hands with a little coconut oil and roll mixture into 12 small balls. I like using a cookie scoop to separate the dough into even sizes.
• Mix 1 tablespoon of matcha powder with 1 teaspoon stevia in a small bowl, stir well to mix.
• Roll the ball into matcha powder until coated well.

TIPS FOR MIX INS MATCHA BLISS BALLS

• walnuts
• dried cranberries
• Dark Chocolate Chips by Lily’s

Dark Chocolate Chips by Lily’s | Stevia Sweetened, No Added Sugar, Low-Carb, Keto

WHAT TO ROLL PROTEIN BALLS IN

First, I use a cookie scoop to divide my dough into even size pieces. Then I grease my hands with a bit of coconut oil and roll the dough into balls. I then roll them into a mixture of stevia and matcha powder, coating them thoroughly.

HOW LONG DO THEY KEEP?

You can keep the energy balls for up to two weeks in your refrigerator. You can also store them in the freezer for up to 3 months in an airtight ziplock freezer bag. Be sure and allow them to thaw to room temperature on the counter before eating.

HOW TO STORE

It is best to store energy balls in an airtight container in your refrigerator. They will remain fresh for up to two weeks.

CAN I MAKE THESE INTO MATCHA PROTEIN BARS?

This recipe would be easy to make into protein bars. I suggest tripling it and pressing the mixture into a small baking pan, and slice into bars. Then sprinkle the matcha powder and stevia mix evenly over the top.

MORE ENERGY BALL SNACKS

Healthy Lemon Ginger Energy Balls recipe is a great way to combat the effects of nausea when going through chemo or during pregnancy. Their soothing slightly sweet lemony ginger taste is packed with protein which makes them a perfect light snack for everyone.

Christmas Pudding Protein Balls are filled with traditional warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, cocoa, and a touch of orange, then sweetened with dates and raisins.

Black Eyed Pea Hummus is where the south meets traditional hummus with a twist in this delicious, slightly nutty flavored dip.

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WHAT IS BLACK EYED PEA HUMMUS?

Black eyed pea hummus is a creamy hummus that uses black eyed peas instead of traditional chickpeas.

It took me a while to be converted to back eyed peas vs. my Hoosier navy beans I grew up with. But once I did, there was no turning back. That’s why I love this recipe where the south meets traditional hummus with a twist. Not only is it great tasting it’s very nutritious.

IS THE HUMMUS HEALTHY?

This hummus is a great healthy snack that you can indulge in. According to WebMD, these tasty little beans are a great source of protein. One cup of black eyed peas contains 13.3 grams of protein which is 27 percent of your recommended daily allowance. Also, black-eyed peas help prevent anemia since they are an excellent source of iron.

HOW LONG CAN HUMMUS SIT OUT?

Wondering how long hummus can sit out? Here is the BEST TIPS GUIDE FOR STORING AND SERVING HUMMUS.

VEGAN BLACK EYED PEA HUMMUS

Not only is this hummus healthy, but it is also vegan. All the oils used are plant-based, and the base is made out of beans. There are no dairy or animal fats in the recipe.

BLACK EYED PEA HUMMUS CALORIES

Black eyed pea hummus has 256 calories per 1/3 cup.

Serving: 1g | Calories: 256kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 393mg | Potassium: 182mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 33IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 2mg

WHAT IS IN BLACK EYED BEAN DIP

• black eyed peas 
• tahini
• red pepper flakes
• apple cider vinegar
• salt
• olive oil

HOW TO MAKE THE HUMMUS

Not only is the hummus good for you but it is also very quick and easy to make. It’s perfect for serving to guest or late night snacking.

Combine all ingredients in a food processor, blend until creamy and smooth, about one minute.

HOW TO SERVE THE HUMMUS

Place in a serving bowl, top with a few whole black eyed peas and red pepper flakes. Serve with soft pita bread or crackers. Refrigerate up to one week.

HOW TO STORE THE HUMMUS

If you happen to have leftovers you can place the hummus in an air-tight container and store in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to one week.

HOW TO FREEZE HUMMUS

1. Spoon the hummus into a freezer-safe container.
2. Pour a little extra olive oil on top of the hummus to form a seal that prevents the hummus from losing its moisture in the freezer.
3. Freeze the hummus for up to four months.
4. To thaw place in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

WHAT ARE SOME MORE HUMMUS RECIPES?

Cauliflower Hummus has a creamy nutty flavor, with hints of roasted garlic, cumin, and sesame. It is a nutritious snack that is paleo, keto, and vegan.

Lima bean hummus is a smooth buttery dip that is perfect with crackers, bread, and vegetables or as a condiment on sandwiches.

This best hummus recipe is an easy homemade recipe that is delicious and the greatest part is, hummus is good for you, so indulge without guilt.

Y’all are going to love this Boiled Peanut Hummus! A smooth, nutty flavor with a punch of lemon and garlic makes this a southern hummus boiled peanut recipe you will make again and again.

This creamy Thai Peanut Hummus Recipe is loaded with spicy Thai seasonings, hints of cilantro, and coconut all wrapped up with a nutty peanut flavor.  It’s healthy, delicious, and great for dipping vegetables or pita chips.

Instant Pot boiled peanuts in the shell are a southern snack served traditionally in a brown paper bag that has a salty and sometimes spicy delicious flavor.

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WHAT ARE BOILED PEANUTS?

No road trip across the Southeast U.S. would be complete without stopping for boiled peanuts at a roadside stand. Boiled peanuts are definitely an acquired taste but southerners take their traditional snack seriously. They have a smooth creamy flavor similar to chickpeas.  Some like their boiled peanuts mild and salty while others like theirs spicy cajun boiled.

When you crack open the shell and pop out the peanuts, they are slightly slimy in texture and very soft.  Be sure and have a napkin nearby because the peanut juice tends to run down your arms to your elbows.

ARE BOILED PEANUTS HEALTHY FOR YOU?

According to WebMD, lab tests on the peanut extracts show that boiled peanuts had higher antioxidants levels than the raw and roasted peanuts. When peanuts are boiled in their shell, the peanut kernel absorbs antioxidants in the peanut shells and skins. That can’t happen with shelled, skinned peanut kernels, the researchers note.

Antioxidants, which come in many forms and are found in plants, may help prevent cancer, heart disease, and other chronic conditions, note the researchers.

HOW DO YOU EAT A BOILED PEANUT?

Some people crack the soggy shells open with their hands. They’re also people that pop the whole peanut in their mouth, crack it open with their teeth, extract the nut, and spit out the shell. This way takes talent. Then there are those die-hard southerners that eat the whole thing, shell and all.

DO YOU EAT THE BOILED PEANUT SHELL?

Boiled peanut shells are slightly soft because of the long boiling process. A hardcore southerner might say you should eat the shell. However, most people discard them after picking out the peanuts.

WHERE CAN I GET GREEN RAW PEANUTS?

Normally peanuts are harvest late summer and you can get them at your local farmers market. You also order them off of Amazon in the off season or if you live where they don’t grow peanuts.

Raw Peanuts 

HOW TO MAKE INSTANT POT BOILED PEANUTS

Using your Instant Pot is the quickest and easiest way to make a big batch of boiled peanuts.

WHAT KIND OF PEANUTS SHOULD I USE?

To make boiled peanuts, you must use fresh raw or green peanuts. You can usually get these in the late summer months. Dried or roasted peanuts will not work.

ARE RAW PEANUTS THE SAME AS GREEN?

Green Peanuts are just picked peanuts. It’s best to store them in a cool, dry place like a refrigerator until you are ready to cook them.

Raw Peanuts are raw but air-dried, so they are safe to sit out for a week or two at room temperature. These peanuts take a little longer to cook, so be sure and process them 15 minutes longer to active softness.

HOW TO PREP THE PEANUTS

Fill a big bowl or bucket with water, then dump in your peanuts. Pick out any stems or leaves as you run your hands through the peanuts and water. Rinse and do this several times until the water runs clear of dirt.

HOW TO USE AN INSTANT POT FOR BOILED PEANUTS

Making boiled peanuts in the Instant Pot is the quickest way to do it. You add water, vinegar, seasonings, salt, and peanuts to the Instant Pot. Cover and pressure cook for 65 minutes on high with a 30-minute natural pressure release.

This might seem like a long time on an instant pot, but it is much faster than cooking them on a stovetop.

WHAT INSTANT POT PRESSURE COOKER DO I USE?

I have had my Instant Pot so long that they now have an updated version of it. I would really like to get the new version, it has Wifi and works with an app on my phone if needed! The Instant Pot Smart Wifi combines 8 kitchen appliances in one: Pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, cake maker, Saute pan, steamer, and warmer.

Instant Pot Smart WiFi 8-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

TIPS FOR FLAVORING BOILED PEANUTS

Salt the water! – Salt is the key to a good southern boiled peanut. It might seem like a lot in the recipe, but don’t skimp, make it salty like the ocean. Don’t worry, most of the salt will remain in the water.

Seasoning – Many boiled peanut vendors offer either traditional or Cajun. You can infuse flavor in your boiled peanuts by adding seasonings, spices, and even aromatic vegetables like jalapeño peppers. My favorite is Old Bay Seasoning and Tony Chachere Seasoning Blends

Just make sure you add enough to flavor the cooking liquid. If you can’t taste it in the liquid, you won’t taste it in the peanuts.

HOW TO STORE BOILED PEANTS

Boiled peanuts are good for about 24 hours at room temperature. After that, you’ll want to refrigerate or freeze them. If you do not eat all your boiled peanuts, store them in an air-tight container in your refrigerator for up to 1 week. Be sure to keep them covered in the water they were cooked in. If not, they will dry out and not be as flavorful.

To freeze, cover the peanuts with their boiling juice a place in a freezer safe container. Freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then heat the peanuts and juice in a pan until they boil.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

You might find your peanuts are a little firm after cooking. This happens when the peanut’s moisture started to draw out before cooking, or you did not cook them long enough. It is perfectly fine to pressure cook them again for another 10 minutes and then allow the pressure to slow release for 20 minutes or so.

OTHER WAYS TO COOK BOILED PEANUTS

PRESSURE COOKER BOILED PEANUTS

If you would like to make your own CANNED BOILED PEANUTS, here are the instructions. It’s very easy to do, but you must use a pressure canner (NOT AN INSTANT POT) because peanuts are a low acid food. They need to be processed at a high temperature and pressure for 90 minutes.  The only thing else you will need for your canned boiled peanuts are green peanuts, figure one pound per quart jar, Canner Pressure Cooker, some canning salt, and spicy cajun seasoning if you want a kick to your boiled peanuts.

CROCK POT BOILED PEANUTS

https://intentionalhospitality.com/crock-pot-boiled-peanuts/You can also make crockpot boiled peanuts. It takes a lot longer, but the results in flavor are equal. Head on over to my post for all the details.

TIPS FOR SERVING BOILED PEANUTS

DO YOU EAT BOILED PEANUTS HOT OR COLD?

Boiled peanuts are traditionally served warm in a paper bag. However, some people like them cold, right out of the fridge. If you like them warm, pour them in a pan and warm them up on the medium heat stovetop. Another way is to place the peanuts in a microwave-safe bowl and warm them that way.

HOW TO REHEAT BOILED PEANUTS

Pour the peanuts and enough peanut juice to cover the peanuts in a pan. You might need to add a little water to cover the peanuts. If you do, I suggest adding a bit more salt and seasoning. Bring to a boil and then serve warm.

RECIPES USING LEFTOVER BOILED PEANUTS

Y’all are going to love this Boiled Peanut Hummus! A smooth, nutty flavor with a punch of lemon and garlic makes this a southern hummus boiled peanut recipe you will make again and again.

This creamy Thai Peanut Hummus Recipe is loaded with spicy Thai seasonings, hints of cilantro, and coconut all wrapped up with a nutty peanut flavor.  It’s healthy, delicious, and great for dipping vegetables or pita chips.

MORE INSTANT POT RECIES

• Indian Toor Dal Instant Pot Recipe With Rice
• Instant Pot Coconut Rice 
• Instant Pot Roast Beef and Lots of Gravy
• Instant Pot Vegan Bolognese
• Instant Pot Applesauce