Sesame Honey Balls

Original recipe written by Divya Alter in ‘What to Eat for How You Feel’ 

This is a lovely and nourishing recipe by Divya that I have made several times and in various ways, versatility is something that I appreciate in any recipe. I have made it with almond meal as it calls for below, and have also experimented with her recommendation of using the same amount of soaked and thoroughly drained sunflower seeds in place of the almond meal. I imagine you could grind just about any nut or seed into a “flour” depending on your need, just being aware that the energetics may change when you start moving things around. 

To quote the book: 

“The Healing Benefits of Sesame: Sesame is of a bitter, sweet, and astringent tastes and of heating, oily, and heavy qualities. When combined with exercise, sesame seeds can help the body eliminate toxins through the sweat glands. Sesame is rich in calcium, iron, and antioxidants. It is excellent for strengthening the bones, teeth and hair. Do not eat more than 3 tablespoons a day.” 

Yield- 12 1in balls

Ingredients:                                                                              

• Hulled (white) sesame seeds- 1/2c (+ 2T for rolling if you like)

• Almond meal (or almond pulp from making almond milk)- 2/3c 

• Cardamom- ¾ tsp 

• Vanilla extract- ½ tsp 

• Lime or orange zest- ½ tsp (optional) 

• Raw honey (crystallized is best)- 1/4c 

Method:

In a small skillet, toast sesame seeds until fragrant and golden brown, shaking and stirring the pan frequently. About 3 minutes, careful not to burn. 

In a food processor, combine all ingredients except for the honey, and finely grind. Transfer mixture to a medium bowl, add the honey and combine until you reach an even consistency that will hold up well when pressed together. 

Shape into 1 in balls (I like using a very small scoop to do this but it’s not necessary), roll in additional sesame seeds for a finished look, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.