Recipe Blog

Plant-Based, Vegan, Holistic Retreat Recipes

Welcome to my universe of food. Here I share plant-based, vegan, and often gluten-free recipes, including nourishing retreat recipes inspired by my work as a holistic chef and yoga teacher. These are guides to encourage you to experiment, get curious, and cook intuitively from the heart.

My approach is holistic and mindful, celebrating simple, everyday cooking with vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains. Learn how to enhance their natural flavors and improve the bioavailability of their nutrients, all while respecting mother earth and all living beings.

Use these recipes as flexible frameworks, not strict rules. Trust your intuition and taste buds to discover the right balance of acidity, salt, sweetness, and spice. My wish is to inspire you to nourish yourself simply and consciously—without needing a 10-step wellness routine, but by embracing the beauty of simplicity in daily life.

Chocolate Tahini Bites (Vegan, Gluten-Free, No-Bake)

Let’s be honest: anything that includes tahini, dates, and dark chocolate is guaranteed to be delicious. These ingredients are a staple in my kitchen and can be used in so many wonderful ways.

This recipe is so easy I almost didn’t share it—but aren’t those often the best? I usually make a larger batch and keep them in the freezer as a quick healthy treat, energy booster, or an easy vegan dessert for spontaneous guests.

Chewy, crunchy, and irresistibly good—these no-bake chocolate tahini bites will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients for Chocolate Tahini Bites

  • ~400 g dates (softer dates work best)

  • 100–150 mL tahini (or any nut butter as an alternative)

  • 150 g dark chocolate (70–80%)

  • 1 tbsp coconut oil

  • ~8 tbsp sesame seeds

  • Sea salt

  • Choose your container size (e.g. 20 × 30 cm); adjust ingredients accordingly

Optional add-ins: cacao nibs or other seeds on top or under the chocolate layer.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the date layer:

    • Press the dates into a flat, even layer in your container.

    • For easier shaping, use baking paper and roll with a second sheet on top to compress evenly.

  2. Add the tahini layer:

    • Spoon tahini over the date layer until fully covered.

    • Adjust amount as needed to get an even layer.

  3. Freeze briefly:

    • Place the tray in the freezer so the tahini firms up a bit.

  4. Melt the chocolate:

    • Gently melt the dark chocolate with coconut oil and a pinch of sea salt.

  5. Assemble the chocolate layer:

    • Spread melted chocolate evenly over the chilled tahini layer.

    • Sprinkle sesame seeds generously over the top for crunch.

  6. Final freeze:

    • Return to the freezer until the chocolate hardens.

  7. Serve:

    • Cut or break into pieces and enjoy.

Store in the freezer for a ready-to-go healthy snack or vegan dessert anytime.

Tips

  • Swap tahini for almond, peanut, or cashew butter.

  • Add cacao nibs or seeds for extra texture and flavor.

  • These bites make perfect retreat snacks for mindful, holistic eating

Let me know what you think!

I’d love to hear how you enjoyed these bites. Share your creations and tag me in your stories on Instagram @lena__charlie. You can also find more plant-based recipe inspiration and holistic practices on my Instagram account.