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No-Bake Kinako & Sesame Balls

Kinako is roasted soybean flour, a great addition to put in desserts, baked goodies and smoothies! It’s nutty, gives a creamy texture when mixed with liquid and is gluten free and nutritious!

Servings

13~14

Prep Time:

10~ min.

Chill for:

20 min.

Good For:

Snacks

Introduction

No-Bake Kinako & Sesame Balls

Today I’m introducing these delectable, nutritious No-Bake Kinako & Sesame Balls! I always carry a snack around with me especially when I travel, and for my recent work trip to Shizuoka where I had an early morning shoot, these did the trick! 

The key ingredient in this is kinako, roasted soybean flour. It’s a great addition to put in desserts, baked goodies and smoothies! It’s nutty, gives a creamy texture when mixed with liquid and is gluten free and nutritious.
Let’s learn a bit about soybeans! Soybeans are a major part of the Japanese diet, and tofu and soy milk are my nearly daily regular ingredients. Unlike many plant-based proteins, soybeans contain all nine essential amino acids required for healthy bone and muscle growth. It’s low in saturated fat too (that’s why tofu is a popular, high-protein alternative to meats).
They also contain good fats like omega-6 and omega-3, no cholesterol, and nearly 10 grams of fiber per cup, which lowers cholesterol levels while improving digestion.
Soybeans offer the right amount of essential vitamins and minerals, like potassium (vital for heart and kidney health) and iron (improves blood flow). They also regulate blood pressure, treat symptoms of menopause, and reduce the risks of breast and prostate cancer.
One tablespoon of kinako daily offers these health benefits.

No Bake Kinako Balls Meraki Japan

Ingredients

KINAKO BALL

  • Almond flour, blanched, 1 cup
  • Kinako powder, 1/4 cup
  • Maple syrup, 4 tsp.
  • Assorted nuts, 2 handfuls
  • Tahini paste or almond butter, 1/4 cup

TOPPING

  • Coconut flakes
  • Coconut sugar
  • Kinako powder
  • Black sesame
      In a food processor, blend the protein ball ingredients. It’ll look like cookie dough and you should easy be able to knead it.
      Knead into little bite-sized balls. Makes around 13-14 balls (I ate a few along the way).
      Roll in coconut flakes, coconut sugar and kinako or black sesame.
      Chill in fridge till you’re ready to eat them!

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