Source: kansascity.com
Happy Nut-Free Pesto with pasta and cherry tomatoes.
PHOTO BY TAMMY LJUNGBLAD
STYLING BY SARAH GISH/THE KANSAS CITY STAR
Note: This is the first in a three-part Meatless Monday series on recipes that incorporate hemp seeds.
Last summer, I wrote a story for The Star’s food section about the rising popularity of hemp seeds.
While working on the story, I learned to like the seeds, which have a creamy texture and nutty taste similar to sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Hemp seeds are small — they’re similar in size to sesame seeds — but they pack a big nutritional punch. They are high in protein and fiber and contain an almost ideal balance of essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering, hemp seeds won’t get you high or make you fail a drug test. Like marijuana, hemp is a variety of cannabis, but it contains super-low levels of THC.
Consuming the recommended 3-tablespoon serving over the course of one day is relatively easy: Just blend the seeds into smoothies or sprinkle on cereal, yogurt, salads and grilled fish.
I typically buy Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts, sold by natural grocers and chains such as Whole Foods, Costco and Kroger. I like the seeds sprinkled on oatmeal with raisins, walnuts and a drizzle of real maple syrup, but I also use them to bump up the protein in basil pesto.
The following recipe is from Tara Miko, founder of an Austin, Texas-based line of hemp seed products called Happy Hemp. It substitutes low-allergen hemp seeds for pine nuts, so it’s great for those with nut allergies.
Happy Nut-Free Pesto
Makes 1 cup pesto
2 cups basil
1 cup parsley
2 cloves garlic
1/4 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup hemp seeds
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Combine the basil, parsley, garlic, lemon and hemp seeds in a food processor. Pulse a few times. Turn the food processor to low and slowly add olive oil.
Scrape the sides of the food processor, then add salt and pepper to taste.
Per 2-tablespoon serving: 122 calories (79 percent from fat), 10 gramstotal fat (1 gram saturated), no cholesterol, 4 grams carbohydrates, 2grams protein, 14 milligrams sodium, 3 grams dietary fiber.
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