Recently I have been loving making dips and sauces to have on hand so that I have quick ways of dressing up vegetables, meat dishes and crackers. Often store-bought dips- even the ones with enticing packaging are filled with not so enticing ingredients; low quality oils and filler ingredients are what allow companies to make profit. I like to make my own condiments because then I can fill them with healing ingredients; they become my medicine-delicious ways to increase my intake of herbs, good quality fats, sea vegetables, fiber, minerals, etc.
My aim in this dish was to create a good dose of essential fatty acids from hemp seeds. Essential fatty acids, also known as Omega 3 and 6, are essential for most of the body's fundamental processes such as metabolism, brain function etc. Most diets are higher in Omega 6 than Omega 3 (a good ratio is one part omega 3 to five parts omega 6. Most people have a ratio closer to 1:20 ) which results in various illnesses such as depression and inflammation.
Hemp hearts are a wonderful food because not only do they have the appropriate ratio of essential fatty acids, but they are also very are high in fiber and protein. Their high fat and protein content gives a greater sense of satisfaction after meals making them an excellent food for people wanting to balance blood sugar or lose weight.
Another benefit of hemp hearts is that they are easily digested, and are usually even beneficial for people who have an intolerance to other nuts and seeds.
The one thing to keep in mind is that hemp oil goes rancid quickly, so hemp hearts should be stored in the refrigerator and bought in small quantities.
I first made this recipe as it is. The second time I made it, I added cream cheese- which was delicious, but not exactly award-winning visually- the dark olives, red pepper and white cream cheese made it a rather unsightly color- although both versions were quite tasty- your choice.
I don't own a food processor; this isn't a confession or a boast, it's simply a fact. Sometimes I wish I did, but generally, I enjoy putting a little extra love into my food. This recipe would be made even easier with the use of some mechanical help, although it's pretty easy as it is.
RECIPE:
3 roasted red peppers*
1/2 cup hemp hearts
2 tbsp minced red onion
1/2 cup kalamata olives
juice of half a lemon
zest of half a lemon
2 cloves garlic
salt and pepper
Mince all ingredients and combine well. Alternatively, use a food processor. Enjoy on crackers, sliced cucumber, steak, etc.
*Conventional bell peppers are one of the most heavily sprayed crops- always go for organic on this one. I get the jarred roasted bell peppers- they may seem expensive, but usually there are quite a few peppers packed in each jar. If you want to roast your own, you can simply hold a bell pepper over an open gas flame, rotating until the skin is slightly charred.
