Summer has arrived and with the heat already in the high 90s here in Boulder, I thought it to be the perfect time for a no-bake recipe! This Ayurvedic version of the energy ball is a simple, nourishing, and irresistible recipe filled with Ojas-increasing ingredients (coconut, almonds, ghee, etc), digestive spices, and an added bonus of ashwagandha, one of Ayurveda’s most well know energy-enhancing rejuvenative herbs.
These energy balls are a healthy way to get your sweet fix and are made from 100% whole foods (meaning unrefined and unprocessed). They not only taste great, but will provide you with tons of healing nutrients including plant-based protein, omega-3s, essential vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants. The spices have numerous healing properties that will increase your digestion, reduce inflammation, and promote lightness; while the ashwagandha will boost your energy, improve your immunity, increase your strength, reduce stress, and rejuvenate your body.
Ojas-Increasing Energy Balls Recipe
Click here for a printable copy of this recipe.
- Doshic effect: Vata ↓,Pitta ↓, Kapha ↑↓*
- Makes: 18 balls
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Gluten-free, Grain-free
- Vegetarian (can be made vegan)
*Will increase Kapha in excess.
Materials
- Blender or food processor
- Large mixing bowl and spoon
- Small bowl (for dipping the coconut)
- Measuring utensils
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup almonds
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 2 tablespoons cacao powder (omit for Vata)
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder*
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder*
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder*
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder*
- 2 tablespoons ashwagandha root powder (optional but recommended)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup honey (use maple syrup for Pitta)
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 2 tablespoons ghee (use 1 tablespoon for Kapha)
- 1/3 cup coconut, for coating
*These spices can be replaced with 2 teaspoons of the Ayurvedic Breakfast Spices.
Click here for a printable copy of this recipe.
Directions
1. Grind up the almonds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds in a blender or food processor until they become a fine powder. Add them to a large mixing bowl.
2. Add in the cacao powder, coconut, cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, ginger, ashwagandha (if used), and salt. Stir well until all of the ingredients are evenly blended.
3. Add in the honey, almond butter, and ghee. Use your clean hands to mix everything together. Wet the hands slightly to avoid the mixture from sticking as you blend.
4. Place 1/3 cup of shredded coconut in a small bowl to prepare for dipping the energy balls after they are made.
5. Wet your hands to prevent sticking as you roll up the balls. Keep a small bowl of water nearby to dip your hands in between rolls.
6. Take a small amount of the batter and begin to roll it in the palms of your hands.
7. Place the rolled energy balls onto a plate.
8. Once the batter has been used up, roll each ball in the bowl of coconut until it is fully coated. Then place the finished ball in a container that is large enough for about 18 to 20 balls.
9. Once you are done, place the balls in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours to get them nice and solid before serving.
10. Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
11. Enjoy these energizing treats as a pick-me-up snack or as a healthy dessert. They are suitable for all body types during the warmer seasons and can be enjoyed regularly in moderation.
Ingredient tip: Feel free to play around with the ingredients a bit! The almonds and seeds can be replaced with macadamia nuts, cashews, walnuts, hemp seeds, or flax seeds. The almond butter can be replaced with any nut butter or seed butter you fancy, and extra ingredients such as raisins, dates, cacao nibs, or goji berries can be added.
Try our delicious Ayurvedic Breakfast Spices!
Discover more healing recipes with my 30-Minute Ayurvedic Cookbook!
These are a wonderful energy booster for Vata types (sans the cacao powder). The taste is great, not too sweet and very wholesome.
Thank you!
Hi Rajinder! I am so glad to hear these worked well for you and your Vata:) Thanks for sharing! Namaste, Danielle
Dear Danielle!
I put cacao in the balls and it became so bitter.Is it correct with 2-4 tbsp or should it be tsp?
Otherwise I find it far out…
Hi Cissa,
Thank you so much for writing in with your question! I did intend to write the 2-4 Tbsp; however, everyone’s pallet is going to be different and therefore the amount of the cacao can be reduced or even omitted if your taste buds prefer. Another option would be to slightly increase the amount of honey in order to offset the bitterness of the cacao.
I admittedly have a very strong tolerance for the bitter taste and actually quite enjoy it. I definitely understand that many other individuals do not have such a tolerance and that is why I am glad that you have brought this to my attention! I hope others that have similar concerns can read this and adjust the ingredients as needed. Thank you again:)
Namaste,
Danielle
Can I replace the almonds and almond butter with another nut?
Hi Gina,
Thank you for your question. Yes, please do! Get creative and do what works for you and your body. I really like walnuts or even macadamia nuts, but even seeds such as pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, or sesame seeds can be yummy. Feel free to share your results!
EnJOY:)
Namaste,
Danielle
What is an age appropriate breakfast smoothie for kids (10-11 yrs of age)?
esp. one who suffers from seasonal allergies and recently frequent gas…(not sure if it is due to chronic use of allergy medication both prescribed and ayurvedic)
thank you.