Oja balls are a great alternative to the processed energy bars that usually contain excess sugars and fillers. Unfortunately these bars contain very little energy or viable nutrients due to the packaging and time spent on the shelf in stores. The longer the bars hang out on the store shelves the more likely the nuts and oils have gone rancid, leading to lack of prana.
The following energy balls provide a fresh, simple, and nutrient-rich alternative to build ojas, our vitality that lives in our body. Ojas can be depleted very quickly over a span of time due to stress, and not eating properly. This recipe is nut free, dairy free and gluten free, as well as easy on the agni (digestive fire). A blender or coffee grinder is needed for grinding seeds. Purchase seeds in their raw form, unsalted and unroasted. Buy dried fruits that are sulfur free and sugar free. I love to make these balls for long flights or when I go on hikes! soak fruit in water 5-10min before chopping 1/2c dried figs 1/2c dates 1/2c dried apricots 1/2c sunflower seeds 1/2c white sesame seeds 1/2c pumpkin seeds, lightly toasted in a dry pan 1 Tsp. ground cardamom 1 pinch mineral salt 1 Tbs. spirulina powder 2 Tbs. chicory powder 1/8-1/4 cup ghee or (coconut oil if dairy-free) 1/3 cup coconut flakes optional: flax or hemp seeds Lightly toast the pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet without oil. Allow to cool and transfer to a bowl. Meanwhile grind the sesame and sunflower seeds into a coarse powder. Grind the pumpkin seeds once they have cooled . Add the salt, cardamom, spirulina, and chicory powder and mix well in a bowl. Drain the dried fruits, chop into smaller pieces and add to mixture, now add the melted ghee until you obtain a thick paste-like dough. Use your hands and roll the mixture into a walnut size ball in the palm of your hands. If the mixture does not easily stick together add more oil, if too wet add more ground seeds. Roll the balls in ground flax seeds, hemp seeds, or coconut flakes. Place the balls on a plate or cutting board and place inside fridge to harden, once hardened store balls in a glass jar. This recipe is a great foundation, but feel free to be creative and add additional items. Dates are a crucial part in the recipe as they build ojas and ghee is another healing remedy for building ojas. |