Are you a keto diet follower? If so, you must be on low carbohydrates and consuming more proteins and fats. Since organic cacao powder contains just 1 gram of net carbs, it makes a low-carb favorite for people on a keto diet. Raw cacao consists of natural antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and nutrients. It tastes the same as cocoa and is often used the same way. But healthy wise it is better for you than cocoa.
How? Raw cacao does not undergo heat treatment, like cocoa, to form its powder. Therefore, cacao’s natural nutrients remain intact, unlike cocoa. Regular cocoa undergoes a roasting process and then undergoes an alkalization process that changes its flavor, color, and acidity. That’s why cocoa loses most of its nutrition in the process.
What is cacao?
Cacao beans are the seeds of the fruit that comes from the Theobroma cacao tree. These beans are well-fermented before they are processed into constitutes that include liquor, nibs, butter, solids, and powder. Since it does not undergo an alkalisation process, cacao powder is darker and much healthier.
Also read: Different types of Cacao Desserts
Nutrition facts about organic cacao powder
Cacao includes fiber and various minerals. It even includes macronutrients, like protein, a small around of fat (around 1g per one tablespoon), and 0g of sugar. Here are some vital micronutrients that you may get from organic cacao powder:
- Iron
- Copper
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Potassium, and more.
Healthy Keto Diet Recipes to Make Using Organic Cacao Power
You can include cacao powder in your regular keto diet to make healthy and tasty recipes. But remember that cacao is naturally bitter than cocoa. So, you may want to consider adding stevia or coconut sugar in it for sweetness.
Ready to start making delicious recipes with cacao? Here are some scrumptious and nutritious keto recipes to try with cacao powder.
1. Cacao-dusted truffle balls
Want to prepare a tasty, bite-sized treat? Consider making truffle balls. You can make it with ingredients, like coconut milk, avocado coated with cacao powder, and dark chocolate with cream for a velvety finish. It is a healthier snack for those on a keto diet. To make it more healthy, you can prepare it with chopped nuts, dates, and oatmeal.
Method:
It is a no-bake recipe that needs only a few minutes to heat double cream at your hob. When the cream is warm, pour it into chopped dark chocolate, avocado coated with cacao powder, and vanilla extract. Give it a stir and your truffle mixture is ready.
After that, wait for a while till the mixture firms up in a refrigerator. Later, mold the mixture into delicious truffle balls.
2. Avocado chocolate mousse
The creamy avocado mousse is rich in fat content, it contains various types of nutritious unsaturated fats. It makes this recipe perfect for chocolate mousse. Just mash it using some cacao powder and add stevia or any other healthy sweetener for taste.
Method:
Mix all ingredients in a food processor and blender until a smooth paste is formed. You can use used 3 tbsp almond milk. But if you are not using any liquid sweetener, you need to add extra for a smoother and creamy consistency.
3. Chocolate Walnut Cookies
These are sweet, delicious, chunky cookies with the irresistible smell of chocolate. But instead of cocoa, add cacao powder to it. It is quick and easy to make medium-sized cookies made without cane sugar.
Method:
1- Put a pan on medium heat and add the chopped walnuts. Now, roast the walnuts for around 3 to 4 minutes until aromatic. Now remove them from heat and set them aside.
2- Take a bowl and start whisking flour, salt (only if using unsalted butter), organic cacao powder, baking powder, and coconut sugar.
3- Now, add the butter into a bowl by cutting it into small pieces.
4- Use your finger or fork to mix the butter into the flour until it is mixed well. You may even use a stand mixer until it resembles crumbs.
5 & 6- Now start adding the milk or almond milk slowly until you form a dough.
7- Divide that dough into two equal parts and after that roll each part in logs.
8. Wrap in a sheet and keep in a refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours or overnight.
9. Take out the logs and cut them into 1/2 inch wide cookies when chilled. After that, place the cut pieces on parchment paper and put them in a pre-heated oven at 350 F degrees for 20 minutes until crispy.
10. Cool on a wire rack and keep in an airtight container. You can enjoy them with a cup of coffee in the morning or evening.
Cacao powder offers a rich chocolate flavour and it’s easy to prepare various recipes with it. However, make sure to buy an organic cacao powder for your recipes for getting maximum health benefits. You can check out the Diet Angel website for cacao powder and other organic ingredients for better health.
You can also read: 5 ways to use Coconut Sugar
