Nila’s Protein Balls

This recipe did not come from a cookbook. It came from a friend, who got it from someone at her gym, and who left a batch in my fridge one day without warning.

I had not made these myself yet, but I did not need to. They were that good. Simple, satisfying, and gone faster than I expected.

They make sense as more than just a treat. Under fifteen minutes to make, no oven required, they solve a very specific problem, having something ready to eat on a busy day that is not another protein bar with an ingredient list you cannot pronounce.

Dates give them natural sweetness and enough stickiness to hold everything together. Walnuts and flaxseed add texture, healthy fats, and a bit of protein on their own, and a scoop of protein powder rounds it out if you want to push the number higher. Rolled in sesame seeds, they end up somewhere between a snack and a small ritual.

Keep a batch in the fridge and you always have something ready, even on the days you barely have time to think, let alone cook.

Ingredients

Makes about 10 balls

• 1/2 cup dates, pitted

• 1/4 cup flaxseed

• 1/4 cup walnuts

• 1/4 cup peanut butter

• 1 tbsp protein powder (optional)

• 2 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Grind the flaxseed into a fine meal using a spice grinder or food processor. Set aside.

2. Add the ground flaxseed, dates, walnuts, peanut butter, and protein powder to the food processor.

3. Pulse until the mixture comes together into a sticky, thick dough. Scrape down the sides as needed.

4. Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 tablespoon each.

5. Roll each ball in sesame seeds until lightly coated on the outside.

6. Place in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer.

As within, so without.