Vegan Protein Bar

Ingredients(for 1 large bar (approx. 50g per serving))

• 1/2 cup Rolled oats (jaee)
• 1/4 cup Roasted chana dal (bhuna chana dal, coarsely ground)
• 1/4 cup Peanuts (moongphali, roasted & chopped)
• 2 tbsp Almonds (badam, chopped)
• 2 tbsp Pumpkin seeds (kaddu ke beej)
• 2 tbsp Desiccated coconut (nariyal bhoora)
• 1/3 cup Jaggery (gur, grated)
• 2 tbsp Peanut butter (unsweetened, homemade or store-bought)
• 1/2 tsp Cardamom powder (elaichi)
• a pinch Salt (namak) - optional
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract (optional for flavor) - optional

Instructions

1. 1

   Dry roast oats, roasted chana dal, peanuts, almonds, and pumpkin seeds on a tawa over low flame for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Let cool slightly.

   4 minutes

   Roast each ingredient separately for even browning and best flavor.

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted ingredients with desiccated coconut and cardamom powder.

   2 minutes

   Mix while ingredients are still slightly warm for better binding.

3. 3

   In a saucepan, melt jaggery with 2 tablespoons of water on low heat until it turns syrupy.

   5 minutes

   Do not overheat jaggery; it should be just melted and not caramelized.

4. 4

   Switch off the heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla extract (if using) into the jaggery syrup. Mix well until smooth.

   2 minutes

   Ensure peanut butter is at room temperature for smooth mixing.