Carrot Hemp Seed Pate on Cucumber Rounds

This was one of those wonderful recipes born of refrigerator scraps and a little brain power.  Vegetables rarely go to waste around here.  There are very few veggies that can’t be thrown on top of a big bed of lettuce to brighten up the flavor and color of a salad.  I love salads, but sometimes it’s fun to repurpose vegetables in a new way.  I had some extra carrots and cucumber and a small bag of hemp seeds that I hadn’t gotten around to opening yet, so these little bite sized sandwiches came to be.

Parsley or scallions, parsley or scallions…I debated back and forth for a long time.  I knew I wanted to add something else to the mix, plus I love the pop of green.  I eventually decided on scallions since I think they are a bit more flavorful and slightly crunchy.

Hemp seeds are amazing little things in terms of health.  They have lots of protein for their small size.  That dose of protein comes in a form that is really easy to digest and contains all the essential amino acids.  They also have an ideal Omega 6 to 3 fatty acid ratio.  Make sure your hemp seeds are shelled.  If they aren’t I’m pretty sure you have to soak them or something.  Hemp heart is another name for the shelled variety.

Carrot Hemp Seed Pate on Cucumber Rounds

1/2 cup shelled hemp seeds

1 cup shredded carrots

1 TBSP miso

Juice from half a lemon

2 tsp finely chopped scallion

Dash of pepper

1 cucumber cut into slices for serving or dipping

1. Combine all ingredients except the cucumber in the food processor.
2. Process until everything is well combined, and there are no chunks of carrot left.
3. It’s done…that simple.
4. Serve on top of the cucumber rounds or dip them.  This would also be fantastic in a wrap or on top of a salad.

This stuff didn’t last long in my house of two veggie lovers.  I made more just a few days after the first batch, but it was on a whim and sadly I was out of hemp seeds.  I did have some walnuts hanging out in the back of my cabinet, so I soaked them and used them instead.  It worked and was devoured quite quickly, but I really missed the hemp seed flavor even if it is subtle.  I’ve also seen many pates that use sunflower seeds, but I am not a big fan of their taste.   I can’t really describe the flavor of hemp seeds, but whatever it is I like it.