Black Bean and Nut Butter Love Bites

Boules d'amour aux fèves noires et beurre de noix

An energizing, no-bake snack, perfect for satisfying a small hunger pang between meals or before a workout. Made with black beans, raw nut butter, and dates, this recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

Here is the recipe for love balls in this format:

Recipe: Black Bean and Nut Butter Love Balls

Servings: approximately 20 balls | Preparation: 15 min (beans already cooked)

Ingredients

2 cups black beans, previously soaked for 4 hours and cooked for 60 minutes, or canned and rinsed
1/4 cup raw nut butter (hazelnut, almond, walnut, or pumpkin seed)
1 tbsp natural coconut sugar or maple syrup
1 tbsp cocoa powder
6 fresh dates, pitted
1 tbsp ground flaxseeds
A touch of vanilla

For coating (optional): finely chopped cashews, finely chopped walnuts, shredded coconut, or cocoa powder.

Preparation

Place all ingredients (beans, nut butter, coconut sugar or maple syrup, cocoa, dates, flaxseeds, and vanilla) in a food processor.
Blend until a homogeneous and easy-to-shape paste is obtained.
Form about twenty balls with your hands.
Roll each ball in the coating of your choice.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving, to firm up the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can black beans be replaced with another legume?

Yes. Cooked white beans or chickpeas also work well and give a similar texture, with a more neutral taste.

Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally vegan and gluten-free. Just make sure your additional flakes or toppings, if any, are gluten-free certified if that's important to you.

Which raw nut butter should I choose for this recipe?

Hazelnut or almond butter provides a milder taste, while walnut or pumpkin seed butter offers a more pronounced flavor. Both work well with black beans and cocoa.