Raw Vegan Black Sesame Bliss Balls (lumps of coal)

These edible lumps of coal are such a fun and delicious Christmas treat for someone who’s been naughty this year! What the heck are these things? They are black sesame bliss balls, but made into a coal shape. They were inspired by a Japanese ice cream flavor. If you ever had black sesame ice cream before, you’ll know what I’m talking about. And by the way, they are awesome if you never had them!!

Black sesame seeds might be foreign to some of you, but it’s commonly used in Asian cultures. It’s loaded with calcium, magnesium, and  anti-oxidants. It can be hard to find them raw and organic in stores. Asian markets do carry black sesame seeds, but they are usually toasted, and not raw. The best way to get a hold of them is online. I just get them through Amazon. Kevala Organic Black Sesame Seeds 1 Lb (RAW) is what I use, but I usually get the 4lb bucket to get a better deal.

It’s quite simple to make. First, you grind the black sesame seeds into flour. The seeds needs to be dry to do this. If you got a hold of raw black sesame seeds, you could soak them and dry them.  Soak them for 8 hours, then dehydrate them for 6 hours or so until they are dry. I sometimes skip the soaking when I don’t have time. Soaking and drying sesame seeds can be a pain since they are so small. If you don’t own a dehydrator, or don’t have the time, just go straight into grinding them.

Dump all the ingredients into the food processor and shape them. That’s it! To make them into bliss balls, just roll them into spheres. You can roll them into black sesame seeds, if you want to add some textural contrast, and an interesting look.

These will be a perfect treat for Halloween! I actually came up with the recipe around the Halloween time originally. When I first made them, my husband was like, “Wow, these look exactly like Musket Balls!” and so they have been named ever since! My husband is obsessed with civil war history… So in our household, we call them Musket Balls. He actually corrects me every time I say it differently.

Yes, I know it looks different, but just give it a chance. These are one of my husband’s favorite treats, and my puppy Orion loves them too.

Give them a try for Christmas or anytime just be cause. You know, cause they’re awesome!!

5.0 from 1 reviews

Black Sesame Bliss Balls

 

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Cook time

30 mins

Total time

30 mins

 

Author: Mariko Sakata

Cuisine: raw food, raw vegan, gluten-free

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1¼ cups black sesame seeds (soaked and dehydrated)
• 1¼ cups dates (soaked to soften if dry)
• 1 cup coconut flakes
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (non-alcohol, Trader Joe's has one)
• 2 pinches of salt
  
• 
  
• Optional: Some black sesame seeds for coating the bliss balls
• Equipment: High speed blender (or any grinder), food processor

Instructions

1. If the dates are dry, soak them in water for 1-2 hours until they soften.
2. Grind the sesame seeds into flour with a high speed blender or any grinder you may have.
3. Add all ingredients except the dates into the food processor and pulse a few times to mix. Then run the food processor as you add the dates slowly.
4. Keep running the food processor for about 3 minutes until the mixture turns black. At first, the coconut flakes will be noticeable in the mixture and you will see white specs. As you keep running it, the sesame seeds and the coconut flakes will start to release its' oil, and the mixture will turn black and glisten with oil.
5. Roll the mixture into spheres. If you use a table spoon to measure out each ball, you should end up with approximately 30 bliss balls. I like using my 1 tablespoon ice cream scoop to measure them out, then roll it with my hands. Because of the sesame seeds and coconut flakes releasing their oil, your hands will get quite oily while doing this.
6. Optional: Roll the bliss balls into black sesame seeds.
7. Refrigerate overnight in an air tight container to set. The oily surface of the black sesame bliss balls will dry out when set.

Notes

The sesame seeds need to be dry to grind them up. You can soak them for 8 hours, then dehydrate them for 6 hours until dry. If you don't have a dehydrator, skip the soaking process and go straight into grinding them.

You can make it into lumps of coal for a fun Christmas treat. Form them into coal shapes using a spatula. Roll a lumpy ball first, then slide a rubber spatula over it to make flat areas.



Keeps for 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

3.4.3177