Nutty Carrot Balls

This recipe was sent to me by a good friend. As I recently used walnuts in my Mint Chocolate Brownie recipe, I was keen to use them again. This is another no-cook, all natural recipe that uses nuts, dried fruit and vegetables, plus no added sugar! The nutty carrot balls make perfect snacks and as they don't contain any chocolate/cocoa (surprisingly), they are a tasty alternative to my previous recipes.

Also, walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Dr. Frank Sacks from the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health explains 'We need omega-3 fatty acids for numerous normal body functions, such as controlling blood clotting and building cell membranes in the brain, and since our bodies cannot make omega-3 fats, we must get them through food. Omega-3 fatty acids are also associated with many health benefits, including protection against heart disease and possibly stroke. New studies are identifying potential benefits for a wide range of conditions including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and other autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.'

There are two major types of omega-3 fatty acids: One type is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is found in some vegetable oils, such as soybean, rapeseed (canola), and flaxseed, and in walnuts. ALA is also found in some green vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, kale, spinach, and salad greens. The other type, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is found in fatty fish.

I often eat flaxseed in my morning porridge. It's also easy to add to smoothies and mix into yogurt. Recipes with spinach and kale can also be found on my blog.

Nutty Carrot Balls
Makes 12
Click HERE for a printable recipe card.

Ingredients:
- 60g / 2oz walnuts
- 56g / 2oz cashews
- 200g / 7.2oz carrots, chopped
- 120g / 4oz dried apricots, chopped
- 5g / 1tbsp ginger, chopped
- 1tsp cinnamon
- zest of an orange (optional)
- 18g / 2tbsp sesame seeds

Method:
In a food processor, blend the walnuts and cashews until finely ground. Set aside.

Blend the chopped carrots into a pulp. Set aside.

Blend the chopped dried apricots into a sticky paste.

In a bowl, mix together the ground nuts, carrot pulp and apricot paste. Add the ginger, cinnamon and orange zest. Stir to combine all ingredients and then roll into 12 balls.

Cost with sesame seeds and store in the fridge. ENJOY!

Click HERE for a printable recipe card.

Nutritional Information: