Roasted cocoa beans are little powerhouses of flavor and texture that can add a fantastic twist to your daily diet. These little delicacies, also known as cocoa nibs in crushed and peeled form, offer an intense chocolate flavor with a crunchy texture. Here are some inspiring tips on how you can use roasted cocoa beans and take your culinary experience to new heights:

1. Smoothie Topping:

Peel off the thin skin (if desired) and crush in a mortar. Sprinkle roasted cocoa beans on top of your favorite smoothie for a crunchy and chocolaty touch. It not only adds an extra dimension to the taste but also a lovely texture.

2. Yoghurt Booster:

Peel off the thin skin and crush in a mortar. Spice up your morning yogurt by mixing in roasted cocoa beans. It provides an exciting contrast to the creamy yogurt and makes every spoonful a pleasure.

3. The Secret of Dessert:

Peel off the thin skin (recommended)  and crush in a mortar. Add roasted cocoa beans to a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an element of surprise. 

4. Salad crisps:

Use roasted cocoa beans as a surprising topping for your salad. They provide not only a crunchy texture but also a unique chocolaty flavor that complements the vegetables. They go well with tahini sauce or with chevré and honey

5. Energizing Snack:

Eat them straight away as a healthy and energizing snack. Roasted cocoa beans are full of nutrients and provide a satisfying crunch when you're craving something good.

6. Make your own chocolate:

You hold the main ingredient, and sometimes even the only ingredient in chocolate. Make your own chocolate in a slightly simplified way. 

Crush the cocoa beans in a mortar and use a hair dryer to blow away the thin skin (you can use these for a cup of warming cocoa tea)

Grind the beans to a thick paste and transfer to a strong food processor (which can crush nuts). 

If you want, add some sugar. If you want a 70% chocolate, then 30% of the total mass must consist of sugar, so in such cases weigh the cocoa beans beforehand so you know how much to use. 

Process everything in the food processor until it is a homogeneous mass. Spread on a baking paper and let harden.

7. Make your own chocolate spread:

Start with the steps in chocolate making. Once in the food processor, before pouring out the mass, mix in rapeseed oil or another natural oil until the mass becomes creamy and liquid. Pour into a jar and enjoy on a slice of bread.

Roasted cocoa beans are truly versatile and can be the secret ingredient that takes your dishes to the next level. Try these ideas and explore the wonderful world of flavors and textures that roasted cacao beans have to offer!