No Bake Carob Bars By Tamara Qaddoumi
Chocolate is the tastiest creation on Earth, but sadly it is not the healthiest. So, what comes from beans, looks like chocolate, feels like chocolate, but doesn’t taste like chocolate? Carob, of course! Health coach Tamara Qaddoumi has prepared a recipe for you to get all that chocolatey feel in a delicious and healthy dessert without chocolate. Follow along to know more about carob and our no-bake carob bars!
What is carob?
Carob is a fruit that comes from a tree originating from the Mediterranean. The fruit is mainly composed of peel and pods. It is edible as a fruit and as molasses, or as we are about to find out, as powder. Carob powder is made from roasting dried carob tree pods. Using carob powder for its health benefits goes back to Ancient Greece. It is a natural sweetener which means that there is no need to add sugar to your baked goods to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Where to find carob powder?
You can look for someone in a faraway village or make the smart choice and order from Mint Basil Market! We have a wide range of carob products, we’re sure you’re going to love. After you open the container or the bag in which the powder is, store it in an opaque container in a dark, cool, and dry place, with the lid tightly closed. It will serve you a little over a year. You can store it in the fridge also, and it will serve you for a longer time. An unopened container of carob powder has a shelf life of 3 years.
Although it doesn’t go ‘bad’ per se, the original flavor of carob powder you like so much does become mild after a while. If you happen to open the container and it’s missing its deep scent, or it smells weird, it’s time to throw that container away.
How to eat carob powder?
Carob powder is used in several food items like cake mixes, brownie batter, cookie dough, and bars. It is also used in frozen desserts sometimes. Confectioneries made with carob need the same kind of storage as chocolate ones. What we’re saying is that you can substitute cocoa powder in almost every dessert you want.
If you follow a specific diet, like a keto or a vegan diet, it is recommended to eat carob powder only occasionally.
What are carob’s health benefits?
Carob has three times the amount of calcium found in cocoa. It is caffeine- and fat-free while also being free of migraine-triggering compounds, unlike chocolate. Carob is a great source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber. We know what you’re thinking, and the answer is yes. Carob is a superfood, and it only gets better from here! Carob is gluten-free. Carob powder is also interesting because it has very little amount of fat. Just keep in mind that it’s higher in sugar and carbs than cocoa powder. It helps relieve diarrhea and aid digestion. If you’re on a low sodium diet, carob is a great addition to your diet because it contains no sodium.
Want to know another interesting fact about carob? It’s used in cosmetics such as perfumes!
Now, let’s get to baking without an oven! These exquisite natural sweetened no-bake carob bars make a great start to your morning. They sustain your morning energy with good fats. A definite must-try!
INGREDIENTS
You will need:
- 1/2 cup melted coconut butter
- 3 tbsp coconut oil melted
- 4 tbsp carob powder
- 1 1/2 tbsp Maca powder (Caramel flavored optional)
- 2 tbsp coconut flour
- 1/2 tbsp vanilla
- Pinch of salt
INSTRUCTIONS
Three quick steps, five minutes later, and you are done! So let’s get started.
Step 1
Grab your mixer and drop all your ingredients inside. Mix everything until they form a solid paste.
Step 2
Find your cutest molds or your best tray and spread the paste. When it’s even, pop them into the freezer.
Step 3
Cut into pieces or peel off mold. Et voilà!
Enjoy & let us know what you think when you give this recipe a try