Goji Berry-Almond-Date Power Balls (No Cook Recipe)

How to make Goji Berry-Almond-Date Power Balls

              The talk and use of goji berries have been on the rise lately upon hearing about its super powers. Here is a no sugar added, all natural, gluten free, vegan, zero cooking, paleo, nutrient rich recipe that is healthy and tasty enough for your taste buds. I feel good about this recipe as it uses purely natural sweeteners (dates, goji berries & raisins) and has some crunch and satiety value in it, so we can enjoy a nutritious snack when hunger strikes.

              They’re thought to help prevent premature aging, boost the immune system, have benefits for diabetes and protect against heart disease and cancer. Goji berries could interact with some drugs, so talk with your doctor first. Otherwise, it's probably safe to eat goji berries in moderation. Please use at your own discretion. Research implies the following health benefits of goji berries:

• Very Nutritious
• Excellent Source of Antioxidants
• May Have Anti-Aging Benefits
• May Help Prevent Cancer Growth
• May Improve Blood Sugar Control
• May Boost Energy Levels
• May Help You Lose Weight
• May Improve Cholesterol Levels
• May Help Boost the Immune System

               

Ingredients for 10 to 15 balls:

dried Goji berries - 1 cup

pitted Dates - 1 cup

raw Almonds - 1 cup

Pumpkin seeds - 1 tbsp (optional)

Cardamom powder/Cinnamon powder - 1/4 tsp

Raisins - 1 tbsp

No cook directions:

• Wash the goji berries to remove impurities & dry them off.
• Coarsely powder the almonds in any kind of food processor. Transfer the contents into a mixing bowl.
• Next, pulverize the goji berries into powder. Transfer into the bowl.

• Grind the dates, as much as you can. Add it to the mixing bowl.
• Add other ingredients powdered or whole to the mixing bowl. Stir/mix thoroughly and make into balls.
• Store in an airtight container & enjoy your nutritious snack when hunger strikes.

Notes:

• You can try substituting other nuts, dry fruits and seeds as needed to make your own combination.

            This recipe was noted down from a health based tv show and is from my recipe diary. Sharing the joy with my fellow bloggers at Sri Valli's CCC # 43 - April Week 5.

Cabbage Masala Poriyal

How to make Cabbage Masala Poriyal

              Continuing with last week's theme (cabbage), here is another spicy accompaniment for your Indian platter; be it with roti or rice. The speciality of this dish is in the ground masala with peppercorns, red chillies, coconut, cumin & coriander. You can substitute the channa dal with toor dal, if you like. Also, the same recipe can be used to make a dry curry or a kootu/wet curry according to your needs. I have tried both varieties & they are both excellent. You can check out other recipes that use cabbage as a main ingredient here. Sharing this delicious recipe with my fellow bloggers at CCC # 43 April Week 1. 

Ingredients for 4 servings -

finely cut cabbage - 3 cups

chopped onion - 1 no:

boiled kadalai paruppu/channa dal -1/2 cup

tamarind paste - 1/4 tsp

salt to taste

cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp

jaggery - 1 tsp (optional)

oil - 2 tbsp

curry leaves - a sprig

Grind together -

dry red chillies - 2 no:s

fresh/frozen grated coconut - 3 tbps

coriander seeds - 2 tsp

cumin seeds - 1 tsp

black pepper - 1/2 tsp

water - just enough to grind

Stove top method -

• Cook cabbage separately  in just enough water or steam till soft.
• Heat oil in a frying pan, add cumin seeds, curry leaves, onion & fry till golden.
• Now add the ground paste & cook until the raw smell disappears.
• Add salt, jaggery, tamarind paste, boiled channa dal and cooked cabbage. 
• Sprinkle water, is needed & let simmer for a few minutes. 
• Serve with roti or rice.

Notes:

• You can make this recipe as a curry/porial or as a kootu/gravy. For kootu, cook the cabbage & dal very soft & increase the quantity of water.