Nutrient-Packed Delight: Simple Quinoa Date Bars for On-the-Go Snacking! 🧡🗓️🌱
Ingredients:
1 cup pitted Medjool dates (about 170g)
1/2 cup cooked quinoa (from 1/4 cup uncooked, about 45g dry)
1/2 cup rolled oats (about 40g)
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (about 20g)
1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter (about 60g)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (about 5ml)
Pinch of salt (about 0.5g)
Optional: 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts (about 40g)
Directions:
1. Prepare cooked quinoa: Cook 1/4 cup (45g) uncooked quinoa according to package directions. Let cool completely.
2. Process dates: If dates are hard, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain. In a food processor, combine the pitted dates. Process until they form a sticky ball.
3. Combine ingredients: Add the cooled cooked quinoa, rolled oats, shredded coconut, almond butter, vanilla extract, and salt to the food processor. Process until the mixture comes together and is well combined. If adding chocolate chips or nuts, stir them in by hand after processing.
4. Press into pan: Line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish and press it down firmly and evenly to create a compact layer.
5. Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
6. Cut and serve: Once firm, lift the parchment paper to remove the block from the pan. Cut into squares or bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Recipe Information: Preparation Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes (for quinoa) | Total Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling) | Calories per Serving: 180 | Number of Servings: 12
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