Raw Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Spread is a delightful and indulgent treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your commitment to a raw food diet. This decadent spread is bursting with rich chocolate flavor and the nutty goodness of hazelnuts. Made with only natural, plant-based ingredients, it is a guilt-free pleasure that can be enjoyed on toast, as a dip for fruit, or straight from the spoon.
Flavor
The flavor profile of Raw Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Spread is heavenly. The combination of cocoa powder and creamy hazelnuts creates a smooth and velvety texture that melts in your mouth. The deep, intense chocolate taste is perfectly balanced by the subtle nuttiness of the hazelnuts. The result is a spread that is rich, indulgent, and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients
The beauty of this Raw Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Spread lies in its simplicity and purity. It is made using the following natural ingredients:
- Hazelnuts: The star ingredient of this spread, hazelnuts provide a rich and creamy base. They are loaded with healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Raw Cacao Powder: Obtained by cold-pressing unroasted cacao beans, raw cacao powder is a powerhouse of antioxidants. It also imparts the deep chocolate flavor that makes this spread so delectable.
- Coconut Oil: Serving as a binder and adding lusciousness to the spread, coconut oil is a healthy source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that provide instant energy and support brain health.
- Maple Syrup: As a natural sweetener, maple syrup complements the chocolate and hazelnut flavors without causing a spike in blood sugar levels.
- Vanilla Extract and Salt: These two simple ingredients enhance the overall taste, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile of the spread.
Benefits within a Raw Food Diet
Being a raw food enthusiast doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the richness and indulgence of chocolate spreads. This Raw Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Spread is designed to align perfectly with a raw food diet while offering several health benefits:
- Nutrient-Density: Hazelnuts are a great source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamin E, and minerals like magnesium and iron. They provide sustained energy and aid in maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails.
- Antioxidant Powerhouse: Raw cacao powder is one of the richest sources of antioxidants on the planet. These powerful compounds protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals and can help lower the risk of chronic diseases.
- Heart-Healthy Fats: Coconut oil, despite its saturated fat content, is known to increase levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and support heart health when consumed in moderation.
- Low Glycemic Sweetener: Maple syrup has a lower glycemic index compared to refined sugar, which means it causes a slower and more controlled rise in blood sugar levels. This makes it a suitable sweetener for those following a raw food diet.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw hazelnuts
- 3 tablespoons raw cacao powder
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the hazelnuts.
- Allow the roasted hazelnuts to cool completely, then remove the skins by rubbing them with a clean kitchen towel or by placing them in a kitchen towel and rubbing them together.
- In a food processor, blend the hazelnuts until they become smooth and creamy, resembling the consistency of nut butter.
- Add the cacao powder, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt to the food processor. Blend again until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into an airtight jar or container and refrigerate for at least an hour to firm up. The spread will thicken as it cools.
- Your delicious Raw Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Spread is ready to be enjoyed! Spread it on toast, drizzle it over fruit, or savor it straight from the spoon. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
So, if you are craving something sweet and chocolaty while following a raw food diet, look no further than this Raw Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Spread. Indulge in the rich flavors and reap the nutritional benefits that come with every delicious spoonful. Your taste buds and your body will thank you!