What is this tiny “nut” that is not even a nut, but rather it is a tasty little tuber that carries with it a whole whack of health benefits. Since I am constantly on the prowl for new forms of “nut milks” and non grain flours – I am so glad I discovered tigernuts. They are now the newest superfood in my arsenal. What I love most about tigernuts (including milk, flour and the tiger nut itself) is that it has it’s own natural sweetness and nutty-ness. Making it perfect for a quick snack or something that I can add into my morning or afternoon smoothie, chia cereal, loaf or muffin batter. It add such a delicious flavour and grainy texture (especially when using the flour).
What’s brilliant is that you don’t need much of anything else added in terms of flavour, it truly is an all in one package kind of food and they taste great on their own. This makes it an easy addition to anyones diet, as it is friendly to all common allergens from nuts to seeds, grains, dairy, sugar and beans.
Tigernuts are Marni’s newest Superfood
Now let’s get to the grit on why they are so good for you and what you can do with the elusive tigernut.
- High Energy – Tigernuts have it all. Protein, carbs and fat making these little chewy balls of goodness an incredible snack. Pack them up and take them with you on the go. They will give you such a well rounded dose of energy that you will feel great for hours after a serving of them (in any form).
- Curbs Cravings – Because Tigernuts are so nutrient rich they also have the ability to fill you up keeping your blood sugar levels in check so you are not constantly snacking or eating more then your body can handle in one sitting. Just throw back a handful of TN’s in any form and you will notice may of your cravings slip away.
- Makes you Beautiful – Tigernuts are loaded with Vitamin E. This is the vitamin we want for plump juicy skin that makes you look vibrant, healthy and youthful.
- Keeps you Strong – With their high protein content, Tigernuts can certainly provide you with some of the essential plant based amino acids to keep your body strong and healthy. Adding some tigernut milk to your smoothie is a perfect way to amp up your protein.
- Keeps you Regular– Tigernuts are a dense source of fiber. You will notice this after taking your first bite. You could chew on one tigernut for close to a minute – they are so fibrous. This is helpful in so many ways, not only will it slow down your eating but can help to suppress your appetite and keep things moving smoothly in the bowel region – if you know what I mean.
In addition tigernuts have magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and a whole whack of other vitamins and minerals that contribute to everlasting health.
If you haven’t tried them, you’ve got to get your hands on them. They originate in Spain and now are becoming a healthy staple across the world. I have had the pleasure of really working with the whole tigernut, flour form of the nut and making it into a delicious milk. If you follow me on instagram you will see all the incredible ways I have been using tigernuts over the last few weeks. In a muffin, a loaf, a cookie, a milk and so much more. I am grateful that companies that are doing things right!
Check out this delicious experiment below – Tigernut Cookies with Chocolate drizzle.
What’s in it:
1 ½ cups tigernut flour
½ cup dark cacao nibs
2 tablespoons maple syrup or coconut sugar
⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
¼ cup coconut flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon sea salt
For the chocolate drizzle:
2 tbsp cacao paste
2 tbsp cacao butter
1 tsp coconut oil
6 drop of stevia
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients (flours, baking soda, sea salt, cacao nibs). Set aside.
In a small mixing bowl, combine melted coconut oil with maple syrup, vanilla and stir until combined. Add this to the large mixing bowl with dry ingredients.
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Once chilled, take about 1 tablespoon of the dough and form a ball in the palm of your hands.
Place on a lined baking sheet or well greased with coconut oil.
Repeat until all the dough has been formed into small balls.
Bake at 350 degrees F 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Check at 5 minutes for doneness.
Allow cookies to cool before enjoying.
You may freeze the cookie dough for later use and thaw when you’d like to bake.
Once cooled, place the cookies on a piece of parchment paper on a baking tray.
Put the chocolate drizzle ingredients into a small pot and warm until combined.
Dip each cooled cookie into the pot and set aside.
With remaning chocolate, drizzle over the cookies in a zig zag to make a nice pattern.
Place tray into the fridge to allow the cookies to set.
