Recently I’ve started to incorporate hemp seeds into my diet more and sprinkle them liberally over everything! However, since I’m on a roll with DIYs for nut & seed butter recipes, I decided to give this homemade hemp seed butter recipe a go, and I’m now obsessed! This homemade hemp seed butter recipe is made using just ONE ingredient – hulled hemp seeds and takes only 5 minutes to blend up! Since hemp seeds have a unique flavor, I’ve also included a list of flavored hemp seed butter options that you could try, as well as ways to use them in dishes. Oh, and as a little bonus, I’ve even included some of the health benefits of hemp seeds – to convince you why you need this seed butter in your life! If you’re wondering why I’m so obsessed with hemp seeds- well they genuinely are a little nutritious powerhouse of an ingredient! – Which helps! But actually, my main reason for loving them so much is that they are a simple way to add extra protein to any dish. With a tablespoon of hemp seeds holding 3g of protein, they are something I can use a lot. They’re not extremely low calorie or anything (like most nuts and seeds), but I don’t fret over the calories as hemp seeds are highly nutritional and at the end of the day – calories are nutrition! I think now would be the perfect time to talk about more of the health benefits of hemp seeds. Now, these are just a few of a long list:
Health benefits of hemp seeds
Hemp seeds are not only a great source of protein, but they are also a great source of magnesium, high fiber, and low salt. In just one tablespoon of hemp seeds, there is over 3g protein too. With the seeds being one of the only Vegan ‘complete sources of protein’. This means that they provide all nine essential amino acids that makeup protein, which can’t be produced naturally by our bodies. Hemp seeds also apparently reduce the risk of heart disease, due to its high amounts of amino acid. This helps to lower blood pressure and inflammation as well as being a good source for healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your immune system. They and also used to help skin conditions, including eczema and dry, itchy skin. Now, for the homemade hemp seed butter recipe, flavored hemp seed butter combinations, and suggestions on how to use it…
How to make homemade hemp seed butter
I honestly didn’t think making nut/seed butter could get any more straightforward, but this hemp seed butter takes ease to the next level. Unlike with many nut butter recipes, hemp seeds don’t need to be roasted in the oven before blending! That means that this entire recipe is made up of one step: Pour your hemp seeds into your food processor or blender and blend till smooth. I would do this in intervals of around two minutes, giving the machine a break (and to scrape down the sides on the blender). To get a deliciously smooth hemp seed butter, it should only take around 5-6 minutes. If you’re using a relatively mid-level powered processor/blender, then this process may take slightly longer. Once the homemade hemp seed butter is ready, transfer it to an airtight glass container and keep this in the fridge for 1 month.
Some flavored hemp seed butter combinations
Although hemp seeds have a somewhat unique, nutty flavor to them, there are plenty of delicious ways to flavor this butter. Many of which are the same ways you’d flavor your favorite nut butter too. As always I think it’s important for me to point out that – Whenever I make large batches of any nut or seed butter, I tend to avoid adding any additional ingredients, and they will affect the shelf-life. If I want to flavor my nut or seed butters then I only flavor a small portion of it, so none goes to waste. For some flavored hemp seed butter inspiration:
A simple, sweet modification would be to add some homemade Vanilla extract or Vanilla Powder. Some Cinnamon works well in pretty much every nut and seed butter. Yum! (usually combined with a natural sweetener of choice) For a simple, sweet version add your favourite natural syrup of choice. I love using maple syrup. Why not try to make a delicious chocolate version with some cocoa powder. Everything is better with chocolate! To make a savory hemp seed butter, you could always add your favorite herbs and spices, V/ve cheese or even some garlic-infused olive oil and then use as a spread for crackers.
How to use hemp seed butter
Hemp seed butter can be used in many of the same ways as other nut and seed butters. This includes being a simple spread for toast and fruit. I love to spread a little bit over a piece of dark chocolate as a healthy snack before bed. (I also do this with my homemade sunflower butter and basically every nut butter I make!) For savory uses, hemp seed butter can be used as an ingredient for dressings, drizzles, and sauces. Sometimes, I even stir a bit into savory pasta sauces, etc., just for a bit of extra protein without too much flavor. Hemp seed butter can even be used to make a delicious hummus! Also, I haven’t tried it yet, but I imagine this would work well as part of a vegan pesto recipe! For some sweet treats, why not try using this homemade hemp seed butter as a drizzle over your morning bowl of oatmeal, pancakes or waffles or spooned within your smoothie or chia pudding recipe? It can also be used as a replacement seed butter in recipes calling for other nut/seed butters including raw protein bars, energy balls, cookies, cake, brownies, bars etc. Why not try it to make some hemp seed versions of these homemade Vegan peanut butter cups. Have any other suggestions for how you’d use this hemp seed butter? Let me know in the comments below! As always, if you give this recipe a go then let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Also, feel free to tag me in your recreations @AlphaFoodie.
