Hemp Sensation

By Samantha Ann Hekeler
 
Move over spice rack!  Hemp Seeds are moving in to your recipes with their nutty nutrient packed raw hearts and kicking up the flavor on just about everything from your morning yogurt and cereal, smoothies, luncheon vegetable wraps, dinner side dishes and meals, and even desserts.  Hemp is considered one of the world's most nutritious plants. The healthiest part of the hemp seed is its heart which is obtained by shelling its seeds. These delicious granules are packed with all of the essential amino acids and ten grams of protein per serving.   An additional health benefit is that they are cholesterol and sodium free.  Hemp hearts are a great addition to any meal plan, especially one that is vegan and in need of extra protein and minerals. Carb-conscious eaters need not worry, hemp hearts have about 3g of carbohydrate per serving.  Hemp seeds also contain vitamin E which contributes to its antioxidants.  Magnesium, iron and potassium are also plentiful in hemp and help support healthy bones and muscles. With all these health benefits and great taste too there is no good excuse not to incorporate hemp hearts into your daily nutrition plan.  I've tried hemp in just about everything I suggest above, and I love them all.  Here is a simple recipe to get you started on loving hemp in your foods.

Sautéed Hemp Zucchini -Simple and Delicious

Can be eaten as a side dish or a meal.  Make as much or as little as you want.  I like to make a big pan because it lasts up to three days if refrigerated.  Leftovers are also great to add as a favorite homemade pizza topping.

Ingredients:

6-12 Zucchini  diced (organic always preferred when possible)

Oil - Grape Seed, Avocado or Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2-3 tablespoons - depending on how much zucchini you make)

Hemp Hearts - One teaspoon per zucchini  (I favor the flavor of Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods / manitobaharvest.com)

Preparation: 

Toss the diced zucchini into heated oil and cook until slightly golden on either side. Mix in hemp hearts and sear another 2-3 minutes.

 Sautéed Hemp Zucchini over parmesan fettuccini

Ingredients:

Hot Sautéed hemp zucchini (as prepared above)

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Fresh Parmesan Cheese

Diced Organic Vine Tomatoes (do not cook)

Sliced nibbles of Fresh Mozzarella

Preparation:

Prepare sautéed hemp zucchini as stated above

Prepare organic fettuccini  as stated on package

Toss cooked and strained fettuccini into skillet with a teaspoon of olive oil.  Lightly sprinkle in fresh grated parmesan cheese, just enough for flavor.

Plate the fettuccini to desired portions and top with hot sautéed hemp zucchini and freshly diced organic vine tomatoes.  Finish with nibbles of fresh mozzarella cheese (optional).

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