5 ways to include hemp seeds into your meals
What's the story
Hemp seeds, harvested from the Cannabis sativa plant, have emerged as a superfood in recent years, thanks to their impressive nutrient profile.
These small seeds boast a high protein content, essential fatty acids, and an abundance of minerals, making them a powerhouse addition to any diet.
This article highlights five delectable dishes featuring hemp seeds, demonstrating their versatility in the kitchen.
Pesto twist
Hemp seed pesto
Give your traditional pesto a healthy upgrade with hemp seeds.
Simply blend one cup of fresh basil leaves, three tablespoons of hemp seeds, two garlic cloves, half a cup of olive oil, and salt to taste, to create a creamy and flavorful pesto sauce.
Not only will this variation add a nutritious touch to your meals, but it also imparts a unique nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with pasta dishes.
Smoothie boost
Hemp seed smoothie
Just by adding two tablespoons of hemp seeds to your morning smoothie, you can turn it into a nutrient powerhouse.
These seeds pair well with any fruits - think bananas and berries - or even in green smoothies with spinach or kale.
They provide a hit of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, upping the nutrition game without altering the taste.
Snack time
Hemp seed energy bars
Homemade energy bars are a breeze to make.
Just mix together one cup of oats, half a cup of hemp seeds, a quarter cup of honey or maple syrup, and your favorite nuts and dried fruits.
Press the mixture into a pan, chill until firm, then slice into bars.
Perfect for on-the-go snacks, these bars are full of nutrients and energy.
Salad sprinkle
Hemp seed salad topping
Give your salads a sprinkle of extra love (and nutrition) with shelled hemp seeds!
Just two tablespoons deliver a satisfying crunch and a powerhouse of nutrients to any salad mix.
Whether you're working with leafy greens or heartier salads with quinoa or couscous as the base, hemp seeds add a gentle nutty flavor that elevates the taste while providing complete proteins and beneficial fats.
Burger revamp
Hemp seed veggie burgers
If you want to take your homemade veggie burgers to the next level, try adding half a cup of ground hemp seeds.
It enhances the texture and boosts the nutrition big time.
Just mix it with your usual mashed beans or lentils, grated veggies, spices, and breadcrumbs (if necessary) to create patties packed with taste, protein, fiber, and omega-3s.
They're super satisfying and surprisingly healthy.