– vegan – gluten free – Grain Free – oil Free –
If you are looking for a super simple, easy-to-make dessert that consists of ingredients that you may already have in your home, this is it. Not only are these dark chocolate banana bites easy to make, but they are made with only 4 nutritious ingredients. If you want to be a little fancy, add a dab of peanut butter.
For these easy chocolate Banana bites, you will need:
- Banana: when choosing bananas at your grocery store, always choose baby bananas if they are available. While the baby banana is in its natural state, your standard banana is actually a hybrid that contains more starches. Unfortunately, not all groceries stores carry baby bananas, and standard bananas are the best alternative. Both baby bananas and standard bananas are high in potassium, improve brain function, digestion and the well being of various organs. It is a good rule of thumb to use 2 baby bananas in replacement of one standard banana.
- Dairy-free dark chocolate chips (optional): although normally brought up with negative connotations, dark chocolate in moderation has many health benefits, as it is loaded with minerals. Just 2 ounces (1/3 cup) provides 100% of your daily copper intake, 37% of your iron, 42% of your magnesium, 61% of your manganese, 25% of your phosphorus, 23% of your zinc and 16% of your potassium. Not many other foods can boast this many minerals! I recommend buying high quality, organic dark chocolate that is free from vegetable oils and artificial colors & flavors that disturb the digestive system. Furthermore, look for chocolate that is made with cacao rather than cocoa, since cacao is richer in magnesium, iron, potassium and calcium. For this recipe, I used dark chocolate made with 72% cacao. Anything above 70% cacao will provide you with the healthful benefits in chocolate. Remember to check the serving size of your chocolate, as very little is needed to get its benefits and over-consuming is not good for health.
- Dry roasted peanuts: a good source of plant-based protein and fiber. They are also an excellent source of biotin, which is essential for healthy hair, skin and nails. Raw peanuts have an active toxin called aflatoxin. I recommend dry roasted peanuts because the roasting process can kill some of this toxin.
- Sea salt: a natural alternative to table salt, which is more heavily processed and contains additives.
