Looking for a quick and easy snack that’s also healthy and delicious? Look no further! These Pistachio Baklava Balls are made with wholesome ingredients like pistachios, rolled oats, and raw honey, and are packed with flavor and nutrition. They’re also gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free and can be made in less than 15 minutes!
Spring is right around the corner and with it comes Persian New Year. Growing up this was my favorite time of the year. Similar to Christmas, this is the time when Persians get in the kitchen and bake their hearts out. From chickpea cookies and rice cookies to saffron caramels and baklava, there are so many delectable treats tied to this holiday. Persian baklava is my personal favorite and the most labor-intensive. If you know me, you know I’m all about quick, easy, and practical recipes anyone can make with no cooking/baking expertise. So I set out to create a simple no-fuss treat that tastes like baklava.
After rounds and rounds of recipe testing, I think I finally nailed it! These exotic pistachio baklava balls take me all the way back to my childhood. Made with pistachios, cardamom, and rose water, they embody quintessential Persian flavors in the simplest way.
Ingredients and Health Benefits
These pistachio baklava balls are not only indulgent but also simple and nutritious. Let’s explore some of the ingredients that make up this dessert and their health benefits.
Pistachios, the star ingredient of this recipe, are not only delicious but also loaded with health benefits. Pistachios are a great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They also contain antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and improve heart health. Additionally, pistachios have been linked to lower cholesterol levels and improved blood sugar control.
Oats are among the healthiest grains on earth. They’re rich in dietary fiber, including soluble fiber, which can help regulate bowel movements, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease. They’re also a good source of nutrients like manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium, which are essential for bone health. They also contain antioxidants and B vitamins. Oats have a low glycemic index, meaning they are digested slowly and can help keep blood sugar levels stable.
Raw honey is a natural sweetener and a great alternative to highly-processed refined sugar. It is packed with antioxidants and has antimicrobial properties. It also contains enzymes that can aid in digestion and improve nutrient absorption. It has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, which means it causes a slower rise in blood sugar levels.
Cardamom is a spice with a distinct flavor and aroma that can enhance the taste of various dishes. Apart from its culinary uses, it’s known to have anti-inflammatory and carminative properties. It can help alleviate digestive issues such as bloating, flatulence, and constipation. It’s also believed to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which can aid in the breakdown of food.
How to Make Pistachio Baklava Balls
To make these delicious treats, you’ll need a food processor and a few simple ingredients:
- Pistachios work best in this recipe. I have tried using walnuts and almonds and even though they work, the taste is much better with pistachios.
- Rolled oats: I like using gluten-free rolled oats. Quick oats could be used instead but I don’t recommend steel-cut as it affects the texture of the balls. If you want to make them grain-free, you could opt for an additional 1/2 cup of pistachios.
- Raw honey: The sticky texture of honey works best in this recipe. To make it vegan, you could use brown rice syrup or maple syrup instead. Start with one tablespoon, taste test, and add more according to your personal preference.
- Butter: Either grass-fed or vegan butter works. Melt it first to make sure it blends well with the rest of the ingredients. You could omit the butter for a lower-fat version but they taste more like the real deal with butter added.
- Ground cardamom:If using cardamom seeds, you could grind a whole bunch in a coffee or spice grinder and store the excess for later. Alternatively, use a mortar and pestle to crush the seeds from 2 pods for this recipe.
- Lemon juice: The acidity in lemon juice helps cut through the richness of desserts and the sweetness of the honey, making the overall flavor more well-rounded and refreshing.
- Rose water is essential for getting the baklava flavor, so don’t leave it out! You can purchase it online, at most Middle Eastern grocery stores, or in the ethnic aisle of some health food stores.
- Sea salt: Omit if using salted pistachios.
Add all the ingredients to a food processor and pulse until you get a fine sticky mixture. Scoop a tablespoon of the dough and roll it into a ball using the palms of your hands. Repeat until all the dough is used up. Enjoy them as is or coat them with crushed pistachios and/or rose petals for a fancier look.
