Sweet & Salty Popcorn Balls
This recipe has been reprinted with permission from Energy Balls, Chronicle Books (2017). Please note, it may not be re-produced or copied from this website without prior permission.
Author: Christal Sczebel // Energy Balls
Serves: 10 balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates
- ¼ cup sunflower seed butter (see notes)
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons brown rice syrup
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened carton coconut milk
- 4 cups + 2 cups popcorn (see notes)
Instructions
- Add the dates, sunflower seed butter, sea salt, vanilla extract, brown rice syrup, and flaxseed to a food processor and process on low for 30 seconds. Scrape the sides with a spatula, then process again on high for 30 seconds until crumbly.
- Add in 4 cups of popcorn and process on low. Slowly pour the coconut milk in the opening while the mixture is processing and process for 15-30 more seconds until the ingredients begin to clump into a sticky batter.
- Using a spatula, remove the batter and transfer to a bowl.
- Give the food processor a quick rinse and dry, and add in the remaining 2 cups of popcorn and process on high for 10-30 seconds until the popcorn is broken up into smaller bits.
- Spread the crumbled popcorn over a large plate.
- Using clean, slightly wet hands, take just smaller than golf-ball sized portions of the batter and roll into a ball shape, then roll the ball in the crumbled popcorn to coat.
- Roll and lightly squeeze the ball to maintain a ball shape and press the popcorn bits so they stick well.
- Place the finished ball on another plate.
- Repeat the process to make 10 balls total then place the balls in the freezer for 30 minutes to set.
Notes
Store the balls in the fridge for best consistency.
*When choosing a sunflower seed butter, look for one that is naturally sweetened with cane sugar or you may choose an unsweetened sunflower seed butter (this will make the balls slightly less sweet).
** You may use freshly popped popcorn that has been cooled to room temperature, or a simple natural pre-popped bagged popcorn containing only vegetable oil and sea salt. Using a bagged popcorn will add a little more flavour to these balls.
*When choosing a sunflower seed butter, look for one that is naturally sweetened with cane sugar or you may choose an unsweetened sunflower seed butter (this will make the balls slightly less sweet).
** You may use freshly popped popcorn that has been cooled to room temperature, or a simple natural pre-popped bagged popcorn containing only vegetable oil and sea salt. Using a bagged popcorn will add a little more flavour to these balls.
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 ball Calories: 134 kcal Fat: 4g Carbohydrates: 22g Fiber: 3g Protein: 2g
Recipe by Nutrition in the Kitch at https://nutritioninthekitch.com/sweet-salty-popcorn-balls/