Chewy Carrot & Sunflower Seed Crackers + Canapés

 It’s that time of year when pool parties, bonfires, and warm summer bbqs are replaced with indoor get togethers and that means that instead of simply grabbing something frozen to throw on the bbq we’re faced with the task of coming up with more weather appropriate dishes to serve.

Whether you’re celebrating an occasion, having friends over just because or just have a bowl of hummus waiting to be dipped into, these carrot and sunflower seed crackers are just what you need!

Salty

Chewy

Seedy

100% healthy

Flour-free

Oil-free

This isn’t your traditional crispy and crunchy cracker but more of a soft and chewy version similar to a flatbread. They’re loaded with fiber rich carrots and tons of seeds. Perfect for munching on straight from the bowl or for dipping.

And if you need something a little fancier to serve your friends and family you can easily jazz these crackers up by topping them with some avocado, herbs, and sun dried tomatoes for instant, bite-sized appetizers!

           Carrot & Sunflower Seed Crackers

Makes 30-35 crackers

• 1 cup sunflower seeds
• 2.5 cups grated carrots
• 4 tbsp ground flax seeds
• 1/4 sesame seeds
• 3/4 cup water
• salt and pepper to taste
• Optional-  I like to eat these crackers plain but if you want to add some more flavour you can try either:
  • 1 tbsp minced ginger
  • 1 clove of garlic and some chili flakes for more of a kick
• sesame seeds,poppy seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and extra sunflower seeds to sprinkle on top

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2. Grate your carrots and set aside
3. In a food processor, process the sunflower seeds into a fine powder. Add the carrots, flax seeds, salt, pepper, sesame seeds and any optional ingredients and process until everything is combined
4. With the food processor running, slowly add the water in a thin stream. The mixture should be thick, but moist enough to spread.
5. When everything is well combined, spread the dough onto the parchment lined baking sheet so it is about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Sprinkle on any seeds that you’re using as toppings and press them into the dough with your hand.
7. With a knife or pizza cutter, cut into bite sized squares (it’s easier if you do this before baking)
8. Bake for 40 minutes or until the crackers are dry and crispy

Canapés three ways – to turn these crackers into fancy litte appetizers just top them with one of the following combinations or come up with your own

• Spread the cracker with a layer of tahini, and top with a piece of sliced avocado, a leaf of basil and a couple slices of chili pepper
• Or: spread the cracker with mashed avocado and top with 1 or 2 sun dried tomatoes and chopped chives. This is my favourite!
• Or: Spread the cracker with mashed avocado and top with 3 or 4 pieces of sliced cherry tomato and a basil leaf.

Hummus, baba ganoush, pesto, or vegan cheese shreds would also make great toppings!