How to Make Unsweetened Carob Chips

Carob is obtained from the large evergreen carob tree which is native to Africa. The pods of the carob tree are flat brown, have a juicy pulp, and shiny brown beans in it. The pods are seeds and pulp is dried, roasted, and ground to make the powder which resembles cocoa powder. The chips have an uncanny resemblance to the chocolate chips and are similar to dark chocolate, yet they differ in flavor.

As compared to chocolate chips, carob chips are nuttier and have a slight bitter taste. These chips have to be added to recipes which comprise other stronger ingredients. The powder is often used by people who are allergic to chocolate. It has also been used by ancient Egyptians as a natural sweetener. Mostly, people who are health conscious use the unsweetened version. As a matter of fact, even after adding sweetened chips, it tastes less sweet as compared to chocolate chips.

Ingredients

• Carob powder, ¾ powder
• Coconut oil, 1 cup

Method to make

• Combine both the ingredients in a glass bowl and mix them well.
• In a saucepan, add water and allow the water to simmer on low heat.
• Now, place the glass bowl on the pan, without the base touching the water, and let the ingredients melt.

• Remove the bowl from the heat. After mixing, it will yield you a smooth dark chocolate kind of paste.
• Pour the paste on parchment paper and place it in the refrigerator to cool.
• After the carob hardens, remove from the refrigerator and cut it into small pieces.
• Store the chips in airtight container in the refrigerator.

In a serving size of 2 tablespoons, there are about 70 calories, out of which 30 calories come from fat. The total fat is about 3.5 gram, which makes up for 5%. The amount of saturated fat is 2.5 gram. It has about 50 milligrams of sodium in it. The total carbohydrate content is 8 grams. Out of which, dietary fiber is about 2 grams and sugar is about 7 grams. The protein content is at about 2 grams and about 8% calcium in it.

Looking at all the health benefits, you may want to make it a regular in your cooking. As it is easy to make the chips, trying substituting the chips for cocoa powder while you make cakes, cookies, or any other kind of desserts.