Healthy Vegetarian Pemmican Bars Perfect for Long Hikes
Listen closely, my friends, for I am about to share with you a recipe that will change your perspective on healthy snacking. The vegetarian pemmican bars recipe is one that has been passed down from the Native Americans and trust me, it sure does hold its own in today’s world. These bars not only boast of superior taste but also offer wholesome nutrition that is second to none.
You may be wondering what pemmican is? Well, traditionally it was made from ground meat and berries mixed with animal fat and then dried to make a shelf-stable food that could last long without refrigeration- perfect for nomadic hunter-gatherers survival food. Bear in mind though, we are now living in times where we have the luxury of indulging in delicious vegan meals and snacks without the addition of animal products. This vegetarian spin on pemmican is simply mind-blowing; they are packed with nuts, seeds, figs, dates and raisins smothered with honey for sweetness.
Believe me when I say this recipe is not just any ordinary “snack-bar”, this is more like a vegan protein bar: dense, filling and loaded with nutrients. They are kid-friendly too; you can teach your little ones how to make them or even pack them in their lunch-boxes for a healthy snack during recess.
So why don’t you join me on this journey as we explore how easy it is to make utterly delicious vegetarian pemmican bars? I promise you that at the end of it all, you will be left wondering why you didn’t make these sooner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
![Vegetarian Pemmican Bars](https://joloskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/vegetarian-pemmican-bars.jpg)
This vegetarian pemmican bar recipe is something that you won’t regret making. I guarantee that you’ll love this survival food recipe!
There are several reasons why you might want to make these yummy bars:
Firstly, they are incredibly kid-friendly and easy to make. These bars are a perfect after-school snack that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Secondly, they are packed with nutritious ingredients, such as whole wheat flour, flaxseeds, pecans, walnuts, cashews, dried figs, dates, and raisins. Each bar is loaded with fiber and vitamins that will keep your belly full and your body healthy.
Thirdly, these bars taste delicious! Who said survival food has to be bland? The honey in this recipe adds the perfect amount of sweetness to the mix of nuts and dried fruits.
Lastly, these bars are versatile. Whether you’re an outdoors person looking for a quick energy-boosting snack or someone who loves having healthy snacks at arm’s reach all week long, vegetarian pemmican bars fit the bill.
So what’s not to love? These bars will soon become your favorite source of vegan protein and energy bars. Trust me on this one.
Ingredient List
![Bite into the deliciously chewy and nutrient-packed vegetarian pemmican bar!](https://joloskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bite-into-the-deliciously-chewy-and-nutrient-packed-vegetarian-pemmican-bar.jpg)
Ingredients:
For the Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups of whole wheat flour
- 1 and 1/2 cups of toasted wheat germ
- 1 cup of flax seed
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecan pieces
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnut pieces
- 1/2 cup of chopped cashews
- 1/2 cup dried, chopped figs
- 1/2 cup chopped, pitted dates
- 1/4 cup raisins
For the Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup of warm honey
The ingredient list for vegetarian pemmican bars may look overwhelming at first, but with some organization and preparation, it is easy to navigate. The dry ingredients are made up of primarily nuts and fruits, which give the bars their signature taste and texture. Whole wheat flour and flax seed help to bind everything together. The wet ingredient that brings it all together is honey, acting as a natural sweetener and adhesive to hold the bars in shape.
The Recipe How-To
![The perfect snack that will keep you going, whether it's a busy workday or a longer hike.](https://joloskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/the-perfect-snack-that-will-keep-you-going-whether-its-a-busy-workday-or-a-longer-hike.jpg)
Now it’s time for the fun part, make your own vegetarian pemmican bars! Here’s how.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of honey
- 2 cups of whole wheat flour
- 2 cups of flaxseed
- 1 cup of toasted wheat germ
- 1 cup of pecan pieces
- 1 cup of walnut pieces
- 1 cup of cashews
- 1 cup of dried figs
- 1 cup of dried dates
- ½ cup of raisins
- 2 cups of vegetarian pemmican
- Note: If you don’t have vegetarian pemmican on hand, you can make your own by mixing together ground flaxseed and dried fruit in a food processor until it has a consistency similar to that of dried meat.
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together whole wheat flour, flaxseed, toasted wheat germ, pecan pieces, walnut pieces, and cashews.
Step 3: Next, add the chopped dried figs, dates and raisins to the mixture. Be sure to evenly distribute them throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Now add honey to the dry ingredients mixture and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 5: Add in the vegetarian pemmican and mix until it is evenly distributed throughout.
Step 6: Line an 8 x 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 7: Spoon the mixture into the baking pan and press down firmly with your fingers or a spoon so that it forms a thick layer.
Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Step 9: Remove from oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes.
Step10: Once cooled, cut into bars using a sharp knife.
Congratulations! You’ve made homemade vegetarian pemmican bars! These bars are kid-friendly and perfect for anyone who needs a quick snack while on-the-go. They’re also versatile enough to pack in your bag for hiking or camping trips as they make excellent survival food. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
![The best thing about this recipe? You can make a batch ahead of time and have easy access to wholesome snacking all week long!](https://joloskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/the-best-thing-about-this-recipe-you-can-make-a-batch-ahead-of-time-and-have-easy-access-to.jpg)
The beauty of this vegetarian pemmican bars recipe is that it can be easily adapted to fit your taste and dietary preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
– Instead of honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan version of this recipe.
– If you’re gluten intolerant, you can substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour mix.
– Feel free to swap out the pecans, walnuts, and cashews for other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts.
– For a more tropical flavor, use dried pineapple or papaya instead of the figs and dates.
– If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the dried fruit and nuts in a food processor before adding them to the mixture.
– For a mock pemmican version, add some ground meat or meat substitute to the mix. This will give you a more authentic flavor while still keeping it vegetarian.
– If you’re looking to make vegan pemmican bars recipe, substitute the beef tallow with coconut oil or vegetable shortening.
– Add dried berries or fruits like blueberries, cranberries and cherries to enhance its flavor and nutrition value.
Whether you stick close to the original ingredients or switch things up completely, these vegetarian pemmican bars are sure to satisfy your hunger pangs during those long hikes in wilderness.
Serving and Pairing
![These bars are packed with nuts and seeds, giving you an excellent source of protein and healthy fats that will keep you satisfied until your next meal.](https://joloskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/these-bars-are-packed-with-nuts-and-seeds-giving-you-an-excellent-source-of-protein-and-healthy.jpg)
Celebrate each bite of these Vegetarian Pemmican Bars by pairing them with your favorite dip or sauce. These bars have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, that will appeal to anyone’s taste buds. I find that serving them with a side of fresh fruits, like sliced apples or juicy grapes makes for an easy and delicious combination.
These bars make for a perfect mid-day snack option, especially when consumed during busy work schedules or on-the-go situations. Such is the versatility of the dish that not only does it suffice as a snack bar, but it can be used to spruce up breakfast bowls and smoothies as well. Adding bits of these pemmican bars to your oatmeal will grant an extra crunch to it and be sure to energize you for long hours!
Another great way to enjoy these bars is as a breakfast substitute when you are short on time in the mornings. I personally love breaking one up into my bowl of Greek yogurt and drizzling honey on top for added sweetness.
The Vegetarian Pemmican Bars are also extremely kid-friendly, due to their chewy texture and fruity flavors. They make for an ideal lunchbox snack, providing your child the energy required for both physical and mental activities throughout their day.
All in all, this recipe is versatile enough to serve as a survival food on camping trips or as a dish at brunch parties. You can never go wrong with these delicious Vegetarian Pemmican Bars when it comes down to satisfying your hunger and tastebuds!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
![With a bit of sweetness from the dried fruit and maple syrup, these bars make for a truly satisfying treat!](https://joloskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/with-a-bit-of-sweetness-from-the-dried-fruit-and-maple-syrup-these-bars-make-for-a-truly-satisfying.jpg)
In preparation for busy weeks or outdoor adventures, vegetarian pemmican bars can be made well in advance and stored for later consumption. Once you’ve followed the recipe instructions and baked the bars, let them cool completely before cutting into them. They will keep well for up to two weeks in an airtight container at room temperature, making them perfect for a quick snack on the go.
If you’re planning on storing them for longer than two weeks, storing them in the freezer is your best bet to preserve freshness. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them into an airtight container or ziplock bag before putting them in the freezer for up to three months.
When ready to eat, take out the bars from the freezer and thaw at room temperature for an hour or two or until they come to room temperature. You can also choose to reheat them by placing a bar on a sheet of aluminum foil and warming it up in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-10 minutes.
These bars are so delicious that it’s hard to stop at just one! However, if you find yourself with excess leftovers, you can easily divide them up into snack-sized portions and store them in your pantry or office drawer for those mid-day hunger pangs.
Tips for Perfect Results
![No need to skip on dessert](https://joloskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/no-need-to-skip-on-dessert.jpg)
If you’re looking to create the perfect Vegetarian Pemmican Bars Recipe, there are a few tips and tricks that can help ensure success. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your vegetarian pemmican bars.
1. Measure Ingredients Accurately:
It’s important to measure all the dry ingredients (whole wheat flour, flaxseed, toasted wheat germ, raisins, dried figs, cashews, pecans and walnuts) accurately. You don’t want to use too much or too little of any ingredient as it can change the texture and taste of your bars.
2. Use Good Quality Honey:
Since honey is one of the main ingredients in this recipe, be sure to get good quality honey. Look for varieties that blend well with the flavors of nuts and dried fruits.
3. Process Dried Fruit in Small Batches:
While processing the fruit and nuts in batches make sure not to overcrowd your food processor jar. Overcrowding can affect the consistency of the mixture, making it mushy or lumpy.
4. Chill the Bars Well:
After baking, chill these bars thoroughly before cutting into required sizes or shapes. Chilling helps in setting and holding them together better.
5. Get Creative with Substitutions:
This vegetarian pemmican recipe is quite flexible and that makes it great for experimentation with different substitutes. You can exchange any nuts or dried fruit you don’t like for others that you enjoy more or try using maple syrup in place of honey for a new taste experience.
6. Store Properly:
To extend shelf life store these bars properly in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated up to 5 days.
By following these tips for perfect results, you will be able to create mouth-watering Vegetarian Pemmican Bars that are both delicious and nutritious!
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be some questions that arise while working through the process. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you along the way as you make these delicious vegetarian pemmican bars.
What is an alternative to pemmican?
Looking for a unique meal option from the Arctic region or struggling to find pemmican ingredients? A polar sandwich could be the answer to your cravings. All you need is two hard biscuits, and you can create this sandwich by spreading a thick layer of peanut butter (2cm) and a layer of butter or similar spread (1cm) between them.
Do you use suet or tallow for pemmican?
Pemmican is a type of food made by grinding lean, dehydrated meat into powder and mixing it with hot, rendered fat, often derived from beef. While modern variations typically use beef, it was historically made using bison, deer, or elk. Some recipes may also include crushed, dried berries.
What is the ratio for pemmican?
Typically, one would use equal amounts of tallow and dry ingredients when making pemmican, but this ratio is based on weight. It’s important to note that your blend of meat and berries may appear to be a large amount, but it is actually quite light.
Can you make pemmican with lard?
For a richer texture and taste, it’s recommended to add melted fat to the meat mixture. To maintain the right consistency, add about two tablespoons of fat for every 4-5 ounces of meat, plus about 1/3 cup of fruit. The addition of fat not only enhances the texture of the meat, but also gives it a more succulent appearance, making it more tempting to savor. Once prepared, make sure to store the product in paper bags to preserve its freshness.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these vegetarian pemmican bars are the perfect snack for those who enjoy a healthy and nutritious snack while on-the-go. With a blend of crunchy nuts, flavorful dried fruits, and energizing flax seeds, these bars pack a powerful punch of nutrients to keep you fueled and satisfied throughout the day.
Not only are these bars delicious, but they are also incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients that can easily be found at your local grocery store. Plus, this recipe’s versatility makes it great for substituting and varying ingredients based on your preference.
Whether you’re looking for an alternative to traditional meat-based pemmican or just searching for a kid-friendly snack, these bars are sure to please. So why not give them a try and see how they can quickly become your favorite pick-me-up snack or ultimate survival food option? Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends too!
![Vegetarian Pemmican Bars](https://joloskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/vegetarian-pemmican-bars.jpg)
Vegetarian Pemmican Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup dried dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup dried fig, stems removed
- 1/2 cup whole almond
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 1/2 cup walnut pieces
- 1/2 cup pecan pieces
- 1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
- 1/2 cup wheat bran
- 1 tablespoon flax seed, ground
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk powder
- 1/2 cup honey
Instructions
- Chop all the fruit, nuts and ground flax seed, and mix together. Mix the dry ingredients together and add to the fruit and nut mixture, a little at a time, alternately with honey. Add just enough water(about 1/2 cup) to moisten. Press into a buttered 8" loaf pan.
- Bake in a 375*F. oven for 30 minutes. Cool in pan on wire rack. When it's cooled, remove from pan, slice into bars.
- Bars can be transferred to a freezer container or bag and frozen for up to 3 months. To remove bars easily from the pan, line pan with foil and grease foil with butter. Enjoy!
- Makes 16.
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![Jolo](https://joloskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/jolos_kitchen.png)
Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.