Churchkhela-Inspired Walnut Energy Bites

Churchkhela — walnuts strung on a thread and dipped in thickened grape juice — takes days to make
properly. These no-cook energy bites capture the same flavor profile in 15 minutes: walnuts,
concentrated grape sweetness, and warm spice. Dense, satisfying, and naturally oil-free.

FASTING LEVEL: Strict Fast (no oil) — naturally oil-free

SERVINGS: 20 bites
TIME: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)

INGREDIENTS:
- 200 g walnuts
- 100 g pitted dates (medjool or deglet noor)
- 3 tablespoons grape molasses (pekmez) or pomegranate molasses
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or rice flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- Pinch of salt
- Extra chopped walnuts or sesame seeds for rolling

METHOD:
1. Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Let cool slightly.
2. Place toasted walnuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely ground — leave some chunks.
3. Add dates, grape molasses, cornstarch, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and salt. Process until the mixture holds together when pressed but still has walnut chunks.
4. Roll into small balls, about 2 cm in diameter, using damp hands.
5. Roll each ball in chopped walnuts or sesame seeds.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

NOTES:
- Grape molasses (pekmez) is available at Middle Eastern and Turkish grocery stores. It is the traditional churchkhela coating ingredient.
- These keep in the fridge for 2 weeks and freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Each bite contains about 4 g of protein from the walnuts — a genuinely useful fasting snack.
- The cornstarch mimics the slightly chewy texture of real churchkhela coating.

NUTRITION (per bite, approximate):
Calories: 95 | Protein: 2 g | Carbohydrates: 8 g | Fat: 7 g | Fibre: 1 g