Give your snacks a healthy angle with safflower seeds
What's the story
The humble safflower seed, often overshadowed by its trendy counterparts, holds a secret: it's a nutritional powerhouse and a versatile addition to any kitchen. These small seeds are rich in beneficial fats, proteins, and fibers, making them a perfect supplement to any diet, but especially valuable for vegans. Discover five creative ways to incorporate safflower seeds into your everyday snacks, boosting both nutrition and flavor, in this article.
Toasting
Toasted and seasoned delight
Toasting safflower seeds is an easy way to enhance their nutty flavor. Just preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, spread the seeds on a baking sheet in a single layer, and toast for 10 to 15 minutes or until they're golden brown. Then, let them cool before tossing with your favorite spices (think turmeric, chili powder, or cinnamon) for a healthy and satisfying snack.
Butter spread
Safflower seed butter spread
Move over peanut butter, there's a new spread in town: safflower seed butter! Just whizz up a cup of toasted safflower seeds in a food processor until super smooth. A tablespoon of coconut oil and a pinch of salt will amp up the creaminess and flavor. Perfect for slathering on toast or adding a protein punch to your smoothies.
Bars
Energizing seed bars
For a quick burst of energy, nothing beats homemade safflower seed bars. Simply mix one cup of toasted seeds with half a cup of oats, a quarter cup of agave syrup, and your favorite dried fruits or nuts. Press the mixture into a lined dish, refrigerate until firm, then cut into bars. Enjoy these delicious treats anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Pesto
Safflower seed pesto
Move over, basil. There's a new star in town for pesto: safflower seeds! They add a unique twist to the classic sauce. Just blend a cup of basil leaves, half a cup of toasted safflower seeds, two cloves of garlic, a quarter cup of olive oil, two tablespoons of nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper until smooth. Enjoy this creative pesto with pasta or as a veggie dip.
Topping
Crunchy topping for salads and soups
Sprinkle crunchy toasted safflower seeds on your salads and soups right before you're ready to eat. They add a nice crunch and infuse every bite with a boost of nutrients like vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids, which are good for your heart. Try it on a bowl of creamy soup or a mixed greens salad. These small bites of crunch will easily take any dish from ordinary to extraordinary.