15 minutes prep time | 12 servings | Beginner | Vegan
This is a quick and creative recipe to create healthy and delicious bliss balls.
Herbal powders are a versatile means to integrate herbs into culinary creations and experience them beyond tea and tincture preparations. This recipe features five powdered herbs: Cardamom, cacao, rose, and two key adaptogens — ashwagandha and astragalus.
Adaptogens increase the body’s resilience to stress and these herbs in particular help to regulate mood, immunity and energy. Made with a base of creamy cashews, sweet dates and protein-rich chia seeds, with the additions of the herbs these adaptogenic bliss balls promise an uplifting and energising snack or dessert. Quick to make and easy to transport, these can be made in batches to use throughout the week, at home or on the go. The beauty of these is they are open to experimentation, with a myriad of ingredients to add or substitute depending on what is available and taste preference.
Bliss ball ingredients
- 150 g unsalted cashew nuts
- 10 dates (pitted)
- 30 g chia seeds
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp agave syrup
- 3 tbsp cacao powder
- 1 tbsp ashwagandha powder
- 1 tbsp astragalus powder
- 1 tbsp rose powder (dried rose petals will work instead) — save some to sprinkle on the balls at the end
- 2 tbsp cacao nibs
- 1 tsp cardamom powder
Medicinal benefits of each ingredient
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is rich in medium chain fatty acids, which help to regulate metabolism and support digestive function. It is an anti-inflammatory and is high in polyphenols which help to reduce oxidative stress.
Cacao
A medicine native to South America, cacao has been used ceremonially to nourish the heart and uplift mood for hundreds of years. It is rich in theobromine, a bitter alkaloid responsible for its stimulating and mood-enhancing effects. It promotes vasodilation and increases circulation to the brain and cardiovascular system, suggestive of its traditional uses as a heart opener and stimulant.
Ashwagandha
A key Ayurvedic herb, ashwagandha is known as a supportive adaptogen which helps to improve mood, reduce stress and support nervous system health. It is classed as a tonic herb in Ayurveda, and is distinctive in its ability to calm as well as strengthen the nervous system.
Astragalus
A key tonic herb and commonly used within TCM, astragalus is known to support energy, immunity and help with recovery from illness and fatigue. It has a subtle earthy sweetness, making it a great addition to desserts and drinks.
Cardamom
Known for its unique flavour owing to its volatile oil content, cardamom is a staple ingredient in recipes throughout India and Sri Lanka. As a carminative, it helps to support digestive function as well as increase the absorption of other nutrients.
Rose
Known as an energetic heart opener, this plant is commonly used to enhance mood and lift the spirits. It also supports the physical heart, supporting circulatory function and blood vessels.
How to make adaptogenic bliss balls
- Put the cashews and dates into a bowl of cold water to soak for two hours. This will help to soften them and make a more creamy consistency.
- Drain the cashews and dates and put them in a food processor along with the remaining ingredients.
- Blend until the mixture is well combined and forms a smooth, dough-like paste.
- Taste the mixture, and add additional sweetener or more powders to create the desired taste and consistency.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into balls and place on a chopping board.
- Either roll the balls or sprinkle the rose powder on the top. There is also the option of rolling them into sesame seeds or cacao powder as an alternative.
- Store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Your bliss balls are best eaten within seven days.
FAQs
What are potential substitutes / alternative ingredients for these bliss balls?
The benefit of this bliss balls recipe is that many of the ingredients can be substituted to suit personal preference for taste and sweetness. They are a creative way to use up ingredients and experiment. Some possible alternatives include:
- Adding a variety of dried/ powdered herbs including Siberian ginseng, tulsi, reishi or schisandra
- Using bananas instead of dates also provides the sweetening aspect
- Adding ground cinnamon, ginger or cumin for a different flavour profile
- Substituting the cashews for any kind of nut butter
