BASIL + SEED DIP

Fresh basil and sunflower seed dip

The sunflower seed is the fruit of the sunflower! It is on the “Worlds healthiest food list” supplying us with significant amounts of magnesium and selenium. Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of vitamin E, which is the body’s primary fat-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin E travels throughout the body destroying free radicals which also helps with reducing inflammation! They are gut-friendly too as they are very easy to digest and the natural oils they contain, lubricate the gut. As they are high in protein and low in net carbohydrates, they are a power-house food for plant-based diets. Below is my recipe for a sunflower seed dip with fresh basil! You can replace the basil with any preferred herb like coriander, parsley, rocket or mint!

Ingredients

1 ½ cups sunflower seeds, soaked*
4 cloves garlic, peeled
1 tsp sea salt
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup fresh chopped basil
1/4 cup tahini
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup cole-pressed olive oil

To serve

Fresh vegetables – carrots, cucumber and radish
Gluten-Free Crackers
Buckwheat bread

 

Method

1. Soak sunflower seeds in room temperature water over night or for at least 2 hours.
2. Rinse and drain the sunflower seeds then transfer to a blender.
3. Use the ‘pulse’ button until the seeds are slightly blended. Add the garlic, salt, lemon, basil, water and blend for 1 minute .
4. Add the tahini and olive oil and blend on high speed for 1 minute to get a thick and creamy texture, similar to hummus. 5. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, chopped up basil, toasted sesame seeds and serve with raw veggies and crackers or bread!

*I also use this is a spread on my sandwiches (like a mayo)
*It is also delicious with roasted potatoes!