Spicy Bean Balls with Kale (Savory Energy Balls)

Name: Spicy Bean Balls with Kale
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 can of cannellini beans; 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds; 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast; 1 tsp tahini; handful of finely chopped kale; handful of finely chopped basil; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/2 tsp ground coriander; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 small green chili pepper; 1 clove of garlic; salt, pepper; optional: sweet paprika powder, sesame seeds and dried herbs to decorate

March 17, 2016 34 Comments

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Savoury energy balls a.k.a. spicy bean balls with kale.

These tiny and spicy bean balls are the perfect pick-me-up snack when you crave something simple, savoury, but healthy. They are filling, cheesy, soft in texture and very very very delicious! Bean balls are great one bite treats, but also yummy with a bowl of salad, in some pita bread or simply spread on a slice of toast. Picnic season is coming and these bean balls (or these couscous balls) are gonna be the perfect quick and easy-to-make food to take with you.

Spicy Bean Balls are:

fully plant-based and vegan
savory and lightly spicy
soft and satisfying
rich in fiber and protein
easy to make in minutes
versatile (snack or meal)
great with greens or bread
freezer-friendly
kid-friendly (just omit the spicy stuff)

How to make Spicy Bean Balls (aka savory energy balls)

Start by adding drained beans, sunflower seeds, nutritional yeast, tahini and your spice mix to a food processor or blender, then blend until a sticky dough forms. It should hold together when pinched but still be moist and pliable. Stir in finely chopped kale and any fresh herbs you like so they’re evenly distributed.

Once the mixture is ready, roll it into walnut-sized balls with your hands. If you want a little extra crunch, you can lightly press sesame seeds, chopped nuts, dried herbs, fried garlic, or paprika powder onto the outside.

These balls are best served fresh, but you can also pan-fry or bake them briefly if you prefer them warm.

Keep leftovers in the fridge for a few days, or freeze them in an airtight container so you can grab a few anytime you need a quick, high-protein snack.

Customize it the way you like it!

Instead of cannellini beans, you can also use chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans or pinto beans

Use any other nut or seed, if you don’t like sunflower seeds

Work with cashew, almond, hemp seed or peanut butter, instead of tahini, if you prefer

Play around with the spices! Fresh or dried herbs, cumin, caraway seeds, chili powder, turmeric, sweet paprika, or onion powder work all great here

Decorate these little balls, however you like them! Chopped nuts of seeds, fresh or dried herbs and edible flower, your favorite spice blend, or fried garlic pieces go all so well with these Spicy Bean Balls

More vegan snacks to try:

Cheesy Savoy Cabbage Chips
Vegan Cucumber & Caviar Bites
Vegan Mett
Seedy Pretzel Bites with Pink Mustard Dip
Pumpkin Crostini with Sage Cream Cheese & Spinach
Loaded Olive Oil Dip