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The term “hemp hearts” refers to the seed of the hemp plant. This little powerhouse is packed with plant-based nutrients like protein, iron, magnesium and zinc. But what can you do with them? Quite a lot. Here are nine hemp heart recipes that will elevate your next meatless Monday from meh to wow.
If you follow a low-carb diet, you might get tired of eggs, even bacon, for breakfast. Here’s a dish that feels like it should be carb-laden — but contains only 1.4 grams net per serving. It’s also egg and dairy-free for folks doing a vegan twist.
To make the porridge-like oatmeal, you’ll need almond butter and milk, hemp hearts, golden flax meal, unsweetened coconut flakes, chia seeds and a few drops of stevia. All you have to do is mix the ingredients, microwave for one minute, and enjoy.
Who said you couldn’t enjoy a burger on meatless Monday? This recipe gives you a healthy dose of plant-based protein. No cows were harmed in its making.
This recipe also calls for ground sunflower seeds, providing you with plenty of healthy lignans. These substances may help balance female hormones while providing all the extra saltiness you need in one of these simple hemp heart recipes.
Pizza is another delightful indulgence. However, all the carbs in a traditional white-flour crust will blow your keto or paleo plan. Besides, that stuff contains alloxan, a chemical byproduct with decidedly unhealthy side effects.
Instead, use hemp hearts, parmesan and mozzarella to create a low-carb crust just waiting for your toppings. Go wild with a pesto sauce or stick to traditional marinara. Make it a meat-lovers pie by piling on the pepperoni or stick to low-carb veggies like red pepper.
You can even use hemp seeds in the pesto base for your pizza or as an alternative to traditional marinara sauce on pasta. Most blends are more alkaline than tomato sauce, and they might help if you ordinarily shy away from such dishes due to sensitivity to nightshade plants.
The beauty of this recipe is that you can make it vegan by eliminating the mozzarella cheese. If you still prefer the creamier texture, substitute a cashew version. The pistachios add a beautiful green color and additional plant-based protein.
Few things make you feel as virtuous as eating a salad for dinner. The best part? It’s simple to portion the leftovers into storage containers and take them to work the next day.
This recipe is packed with powerhouse ingredients like honey and apple cider vinegar. Honey is a natural antimicrobial agent that coats your throat if you feel a bit scratchy. Apple cider vinegar has a reputation for aiding in weight loss and helping with blood sugar control.
Are you looking for a snack to bust the 3 p.m. doldrums that won’t make you feel guilty? These hemp heart energy bites are packed with plant-based protein and the perfect blend of simple and complex carbohydrates to perk you up without the crash that often follows. They might even help you eat less at dinner, reducing your overall calorie count if you’re trying to lose weight.
These treats are so tasty there’s no need to save them for snacking alone. Give them to your kids as a grab-and-go breakfast you feel good about or enjoy them as a dessert.
Here’s another recipe that doubles as a feel-good snack or dessert. Best of all, you don’t have to run the oven, making it ideal for the warm summer months.
Although this particular recipe calls for almonds, you can add any nuts you like, including cashews, walnuts or pecans. Using maple syrup and coconut oil adds a mild sweetness without the need for a single grain of white sugar.
8. Summer Hemp Seed Frittata
Frittatas are the ultimate Sunday brunch day treat. This recipe lets you put your fresh summer produce from your garden to work.
This recipe is more than enough to feed your entire family. However, you can freeze frittata by placing it on a cookie sheet to harden in the freezer then transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat by popping it back in the oven.
Can you put hemp hearts in a beverage? Yes, and the result is a high-protein-and-fiber drink that will keep you full.
Some evidence suggests that the MCTs in coconut milk can benefit your overall weight and metabolism. It can also improve your cholesterol numbers, even though it contains saturated fat. The strawberries and lime make this drink delightful in summer, although it makes a tasty meal replacement any time of year.
If you have never eaten hemp hearts before, now’s the time to give them a try. The hemp heart recipes above help you get plant-based protein on meatless Mondays or any day of the week.
These powerhouses pack a nutritional punch, making them a useful addition to nearly any diet. Try the nine hemp heart recipes above and discover a new favorite.
