Ojas-Increasing Energy Balls

This recipe comes from my new favourite cookbook:  The 30-Minute Ayurvedic Cookbook by Danielle Martin.  It's full of super ayurvedic recipes and very informative.

'Ojas' (to quote the book) 'is the biological energy that is responsible for our vitality, immunity, longevity and glow.'

Please ignore Ayurvedic terminology (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) if not familiar with it yet ;)

Ingredients

3/4 cup almonds

1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

2 tablespoons cacao powder (omit for VATA)

1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons shredded coconut, divided

2 tablespoons ashwagandha root powder (optional, but recommended)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup honey (use maple syrup for PITTA)

2 tablespoons almond butter

2 tablespoons ghee (use 1 tablespoon for KAPHA)

1. Grind up the almonds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds in a blender or food processor until they become a fine powder.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground nut powder, cacao, 2 tablespoons of coconut, ashwagandha (if using), cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cardamom, and salt.  Blend evenly.

3. Add the honey (or maple syrup), almond butter, and ghee.  Using clean hands, mix everything together until well blended.

4. Take a small amount of the mixture, and begin to roll it in the plans of your hands.  Put the completed ball onto a plate, and continue to roll the mixture until it is used up.

5. Place the remaining 1/3 cup of shredded coconut in a small bowl.

6. Roll each ball in the coconut until it is fully coated.  Repeat this step until all the balls have been coated.

7. Once you are done, place the balls in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours to get them nice and solid before serving.

8.  Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

(My note, please don't eat food straight from the freezer if you are depleted in any way.  Allow the food to warm up.  Mind not too long though, these balls may become a bit gooey in hot weather!  I like to eat anything that's cool or has been in the freezer with a warm cup of herbal tea.)