Protein Power Chocolate Truffles with Garam Masala

Friends. We are living in a tumultuous time. Politics. Angry Facebook posts from Grandma. Valentines Day!!!! It can’t get much worse (it’s true, not a Valentine’s Day fan). I write a food blog. An upbeat food blog with no political ties or associations. But food is political. These protein power chocolate truffles are political . Let me explain.

The Politics of food (lite)

The root of the word politics comes from the Greek word “ polis ” meaning the structure of a community (don’t worry, this is the most academic statement of this post). Food is an integral part of that structure, both back in ancient Greece and today. I am not going to talk about American politics here, but I am going to talk about the politics of food. In a simple, grassroots sort of way.

I have been wracking my brain to find a way to encourage you to speak your voice and stand up for your beliefs, but like in a foodie sort of way. Throwing eggs gets nothing done. Extending our hands across the table? Sharing from the same bowl? That sounds like revolution to me.

Democracy

The word democracy immediately makes me think of protest: The French Revolution , The Boston Tea Party , Gandhi’s Salt March , Mandela’s anti-apartheid labor strikes , and the protests to take down the Berlin Wall , just to make a small dent in history. The power of the people is what brings change to our communities. But those people still need to eat.

Protein Power Chocolate Truffles of the people

A few weeks ago I participated in a march here in Toronto. There were over 10,000 people and the energy and enthusiasm was electric. It was an amazing experience. But afterwards, I completely crashed. I came unprepared, without a thing to eat. This hunger is what sparked the idea for this recipe for protein power chocolate truffles. I wanted to make something that could be made in 10 minutes, that was easily packable, and was sensitive to food allergies and preferences. These can be shared with everyone (v, gf, raw, paleo, no sugar, nut free, dairy free, egg free).

The result: a chocolatey, protein packed, snack-truffle made from pumpkin seeds, dates, chocolate and chia. Oh, and I threw a pinch of sea salt and garam masala in there just to be fancy.

Fancy is as fancy does. As they say?

Really, just 10 minutes

Grind your pumpkins seeds in a food processor for 1 minute into a medium/fine meal. Add everything else. Process for one more minute. Roll into 12 truffles. DONE-ZO!

Pumpkin seeds contain an insane amount of protein. One serving of these truffles have 14.5 grams!!!

I believe in you

This recipe is really just an encouragement to you to follow your beliefs with passion. Whatever injustices in the world make your blood boil, take it to the streets. Make your voice heard. Do not be afraid. Those of you who live in a democracy, this is your right. Get out and peacefully demonstrate. Have tough conversations. Open your heart and listen to your neighbor’s pain. Share your own. Do it all with love.

Pack a box of protein power chocolate truffles and pass them around. Keep the energy moving.

Have someone over for dinner who you disagree with. Make tacos or pizza . Drink a cocktail to take the edge off. Listen.

We can change the world with food.

Another kind of V Day

Wouldn’t a great Valentine’s Day date be sitting by a fire, making cute protest signs and feeding each other protein power chocolate truffles over the sounds of the new Elbow album? Or, instead of breaking the bank over a fancy dinner and presents you could make a financially smart donation to a cause you both believe in? Just an idea.

Maybe Valentine’s Day can still be romantic.

When you hit the streets with your protein power chocolate truffles, let me know! Rate the recipe and share your thoughts and questions in the comments below. Use the hashtag #popkitchen when you post photos of recipes you’ve made to your Instagram and tag @stacyfeyersalo. I’ll share my favorite photos on Pop Kitchen’s account.

Recipe

Protein Power Chocolate Truffles with Garam Masala

Ingredients

1 cup raw pepitas
12 pitted dates (around 2.5 oz/73 g)
2 Tbsp chia seeds
2 Tbsp cocoa or raw cacao powder
2 tsp garam masala
⅛ tsp sea salt
1 Tbsp water

Instructions

Place your pumpkin seeds in a food processor. Process for about 1 minute or until you have a grainy meal.
Add the dates, chia, cocoa, garam masala and salt. Process for 1 more minute.
While the truffles are processing add a tablespoon of water, 1 tsp at a time (3 teaspoons in a tablespoon). The mixture should not ball up or be too wet. But when you grab a handful it should easily pack together without crumbling. If it’s a little too dry, add a tiny bit more water.
Divide mixture into 12 truffles, rolling between your hands to make a smooth ball.
Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.