Can I make these protein balls without popping amaranth?

Yes, the recipe notes to avoid popped amaranth to make the balls fully raw, as popping involves heat. You can simply omit the amaranth coating.

How should I store these raw protein balls?

After shaping, place the balls in the freezer for about an hour to firm up, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for longer preservation.

What if I don't have maca powder?

Maca powder is listed as optional in the ingredients, so you can easily omit it without significantly altering the core structure or flavor of the protein balls.

Can I use a different nut butter instead of peanut butter?

While the recipe specifies raw smooth peanut butter, you could likely substitute another raw smooth nut butter, such as almond butter, keeping in mind it may slightly alter the flavor profile.

34.6K Views 14 years ago

Raw Protein Balls
[Vegan]

Name: Raw Protein Balls [Vegan]
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: ¾ cup oatmeal; 4 scoops raw protein powder; 2 tbsp raw cocoa powder; 1 tbsp maca powder (optional); 1 banana; 2 tbsp raw smooth peanut butter; ½ cup of raw almond milk; ¼ cup agave nectar; ½ cup of raw cacao nibs; ½ cup of dried cranberries; 2 tbsp flax seeds; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/8 tsp salt; 1 cup popped amaranth (avoid to make raw balls)

MT By: Maria Benoit: Blogger, Wayfaring Teacher

Author Bio

Maria is a Science teacher, an environmentalist, and an aspiring vegan who loves all things... Read More

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A close-up of several golf-sized raw vegan protein balls, coated in popped amaranth, arranged on a parchment-lined cutting board.

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Raw Protein Balls [Vegan]

Dairy Free

I have finally perfected my protein bar/ball recipe. These balls are great for substituting a meal. They can also be used as a pre- and a post-workout snack to provide that extra kick of energy. They are super convenient to pack in a baggie on a trip, to take to work,... Read More

Ingredients You Need for Raw Protein Balls [Vegan]

¾ cup oatmeal
4 scoops raw protein powder
2 tbsp raw cocoa powder
1 tbsp maca powder (optional)
1 banana
2 tbsp raw smooth peanut butter
½ cup of raw almond milk
¼ cup agave nectar
½ cup of raw cacao nibs
½ cup of dried cranberries
2 tbsp flax seeds
1 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
1 cup popped amaranth (avoid to make raw balls)

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How to Prepare Raw Protein Balls [Vegan]

Line a cutting board with parchment paper.
Pop the amaranth. Heat a high-wall pot on the stove. Pour 2 tbsp of dry amaranth into the hot pot. It will start to pop like popcorn. Lift and shake the pot periodically so the amaranth doesn’t burn. Pour popped amaranth into a bowl. Repeat until you have 1 cup of popped grain.
In a food processor combine oatmeal, protein powder, chocolate powder, maca powder, salt, and cinnamon. Pulse until a uniform mixture is achieved.
Add the banana, peanut butter, almond milk, and agave nectar. Pulse until combined.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
Add cacao nibs, flax seeds, and cranberries. Mix.
Shape the mixture into golf-size balls and roll them in the popped amaranth.
Place on the cutting board.
When all of the mixture is shaped into balls, place them into the freezer for about an hour.

Notes

These balls will keep in the fridge for about a week. I prefer to store them in an air-tight container in the freezer and take out as many as I need 15 minutes before eating them. Virtually all the ingredients in these balls are protein sources. Amaranth is an ancient grain that has really high protein content. Popping amaranth is also endless entertainment. Protein powder, peanut butter, and almond milk provide additional sources of protein. Maca power and cacao nibs provide the necessary energy boost, be it before a workout or at 3 pm. The rest of the ingredients act as flavorings. You can add different seeds or dried berries to this mixture depending on what you like; these balls are very versatile.