Quinoa and Chocolate Protein Bars

Ingredients

1 cup of cooked quinoa
1 cup pitted dates (you can also use dried figs)
1 cup toasted oats
1/2 cup of walnuts
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup cocoa powder
3 tablespoons of honey
1 tablespoon coconut oil melted and cooled at room temperature

For the top layer:
1 cup chocolate chips or chocolate chunks
1 teaspoon coconut oil

Preparation

1. Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions. Let it cool down. Reserve.
2. In a food processor, place the quinoa, oats, and cocoa powder. Pulse until they are quite ground and have all been incorporated into a homogeneous mixture.
3. Add the dates, nuts, coconut, honey, and coconut oil. Pulse again until a dough forms.
4. Line a medium baking dish with parchment paper.
5. Transfer the quinoa mixture to the pan, then use a rubber spatula or your hands to press it down. Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the bars to set.
6. Once the 30 minutes are up, melt the chocolate: Add the chocolate chips or pieces and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second increments (stirring every 30 seconds) until the chocolate is set. soft, or you can do it in a pot in a bain-marie.
7. Remove the bars from the refrigerator and pour the chocolate over the top, using the back of a spoon to smooth it out. Return the bars to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened.
8. Pull on the parchment paper to remove the bars, then cut into 9 bars and enjoy!