World Chocolate Day

In celebration of World Chocolate Day ( 7th July) Marlene Watson-Tara, author of GoVegan,  recommends her chocolate adzuki bites as a quick and healthy sweet treat.

As a vegan and healthy living expert with over 40 years experience of transforming lives, her Go Vegan cookbook contains lifestyle and health advice together with beautifully illustrated pictures of easy to cook vegan recipes. She highlights that a diet based on whole food plants will prevent many illnesses, maintain a good physical condition, and change lives, all backed up with science.

As well as being perfect for vegans, chocolate adzuki bites are a healthy alternative for all to enjoy, rather than snacking on foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates. Adzuki beans are some of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, high in protein and fibre, low-fat, and rich in calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Their high soluble fibre can help to stabilise cholesterol levels, improve digestive health and keep you feeling full for longer. So go ahead and treat yourself on World Chocolate Day!

Chocolate Adzuki Bites

1 cup of cooked adzuki beans

1 cup of pecans

8 mejdool dates (stones removed)

1⁄4 cup cocoa powder

1⁄4 tsp of vanilla extract

Desiccated coconut

Method

Blend all the ingredients (except the coconut) in a food processor until you achieve a creamy texture. If the mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon or two of water. Take a heaped teaspoon and roll into balls. Drop the balls into a bowl filled with the coconut and shake until well-covered. Chill in the refrigerator for a few hours and enjoy. Truly scrumptious and healthy.