What is fabulous about these truffles is that there are only three main ingredients, but they pack a significant nutritional punch:
Avocados are rich in vitamins C, E and B5, folate, choline, magnesium and potassium. Half an avocado can also give you up to 13g of dietary fibre.
Hazelnuts are great sources of vegetable protein and vitamin E. Using almonds will up the magnesium and walnuts will add an omega 3 boost.
Dark chocolate is a good source of iron and magnesium, as well as copper and manganese. Dark chocolate is also a wonderful source of plant antioxidants with proven benefits to most aspects of health!
Most brands of chocolate do include some sugar, so while there is no need to add any sweetener to this recipe, do bear in mind the sweetness if you need to watch your sugar intake.
On the positive side, the good fats, fibre and protein provided by the avocados and nuts will ensure that the sugar is slowly released into your blood stream, making these truffles a better bet for an afternoon snack or after dinner treat.
These dairy-free chocolate truffles are very quick and easy to make and all the mashing and rolling is brilliant fun for any little helpers you may have.
Ingredients
(Makes 15)
160g dark chocolate (>75% cocoa solids)
½ medium avocado (ripe)
50g toasted hazelnuts (or almonds, or walnuts) – you can also use ground almonds.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional flavourings: 1tsp of either ground ginger, ground cinnamon, chai spices, ground cardamom, rose water (for Turkish Delight flavour), orange zest.
Method
Break the chocolate into pieces and melt in a glass bowl over a pan of simmering water (or in the microwave). Set aside to cool a little.
Pulse the nuts in a food processor until they are gritty (you can make them finer for a smoother textured truffle) (if not using ground almonds).
Mash the avocado into a smooth paste.
Once the chocolate has cooled a little, add all the other ingredients.
Place the mixture(s) in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
Take about a tablespoon of mixture and roll into truffles with your hands.
Roll in cocoa powder, crushed nuts, cocoa nibs or desiccated coconut to finish.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for a week (if they last that long).
Read my blog about the health benefits of chocolate here.