Ετικέτες
carob, flaxseed, gluten free, raw vegan, rolled oats, sugar free, walnuts
Carobs are well-known as some of the nutrient-rich gifts nature gave to us and fortunately carob trees are found everywhere in Greece. The great thing about carobs is their unique flavor which slightly reminds me of a naturally made caramel while carob products, namely the carob powder (or carob flour) and the carob syrup can be used in various vegan recipes.
One of the healthiest sweet recipes with which I am stuck this year are these raw vegan carob and walnut energy bars. Basically in the mornings I like to wrap one bar in parchment paper and put it in my bag before going to work. Around 11 am, ie the cravings time, this vegan bar is the most tasty, healthy and hearty solution that I could have. Moreover the walnuts and the flaxseeds they contain fulfill my daily requirement in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, while raisins and raw carob powder make them wonderfully sweet and fruity.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (150 g) raisins
- 1 cup (100 g) rolled oats (or rolled buckwheat)
- 1/2 cup (55g) ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup (40 g) carob powder
- 1/2 cup raw walnuts (60 g), divided (¼ + ¼)
- 1-2 tbsp water (if necessary)
Method
1. Soak the raisins in water for fifteen minutes and drain well.
2. Put the raisins in the food processor and process for 2-3 minutes until mashed. Add the oats, flaxseeds, ¼ cup walnuts and the carob powder and keep processing. If your mixture is not consistent enough, add a spoonful of water and process for one more minute.
3. Lay a medium-sized (21x11x6), rectangular cake tin with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture in the tin, press with your hands to the bottom and flatten the surface. Finely chop the remaining walnuts, sprinkle them on top and press them a little bit to stick. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
4. Remove the mixture from the tin and cut vertically. My cake tin is 21 cm long so I made three centimeters long cuts, ending up with seven bars. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge.