Hemp protein is a vegan, plant-based protein powder that’s made from hemp plants. It’s a complete source of protein, which means it contains all nine essential amino acids that your body needs. It’s also high in fiber, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and various minerals. Organic hemp protein is easy to digest, sustainable, and earth-friendly. In this article, we’ll show you some ways to incorporate organic hemp protein into your diet, such as adding it to smoothies, baked goods, or soups.
Hemp Protein in Smoothies and Shakes
One of the easiest and most delicious ways to use hemp protein is to mix it into smoothies and shakes. You can use any fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, or plant-based milks that you like, and add a scoop or two of hemp protein powder for a boost of nutrition and flavor. Hemp protein powder has a nutty taste that goes well with many ingredients. Here are some examples of hemp protein smoothies and shakes that you can try:
- Super Berry Smoothie Bowl: Blend frozen berries, banana, spinach, almond milk, and hemp protein powder until smooth. Pour into a bowl and top with fresh berries, granola, coconut flakes, and hemp seeds.
- Hemp Peanut Butter Smoothie: Blend banana, peanut butter, oat milk, cocoa powder, and hemp protein powder until smooth. Enjoy as a creamy and satisfying drink or snack.
- Green Goddess Smoothie: Blend kale, avocado, pineapple, coconut water, lemon juice, and hemp protein powder until smooth. Drink this refreshing and detoxifying smoothie for a burst of energy.
Hemp Protein in Baked Goods
Another way to use hemp protein is to bake it into your favorite treats. Hemp protein can replace some of the flour in recipes for muffins, cookies, brownies, cakes, or breads. It adds extra protein, fiber, and moisture to your baked goods, making them more filling and nutritious. You can also add other hemp products like hemp seeds or hemp oil for more flavor and texture. Here are some examples of hemp protein baked goods that you can try:
- Hemp Protein Banana Bread: Mash ripe bananas and mix with eggs (or flax eggs), maple syrup, vanilla extract, and hemp oil. Stir in hemp protein powder, oat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Fold in chopped walnuts and chocolate chips if desired. Pour the batter into a loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Hemp Protein Chocolate Chip Cookies: Cream together coconut oil and coconut sugar until fluffy. Add an egg (or chia egg) and vanilla extract and beat well. In another bowl, whisk together hemp protein powder, almond flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well. Stir in chocolate chips and hemp seeds. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until golden.
- Hemp Protein Brownies: Melt dark chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in coconut sugar and vanilla extract. Add eggs (or aquafaba) one at a time and whisk well. Stir in hemp protein powder, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold in chopped nuts if desired. Spread the batter into an 8×8 inch baking pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
Hemp Protein in Soups
A third way to use hemp protein is to add it to soups or stews. Hemp protein can thicken your soups and add more creaminess and richness. It also adds more protein and fiber to your soups, making them more satisfying and hearty. You can use any kind of broth or vegetable stock as the base of your soup, and add any vegetables, beans, grains, herbs, or spices that you like. Here are some examples of hemp protein soups that you can try:
- Creamy Mushroom Soup: Sauté chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrot in olive oil until soft. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned. Sprinkle some flour over the mixture and stir well. Gradually whisk in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Stir in hemp protein powder, nutritional yeast (optional), salt, pepper, thyme (optional), parsley (optional), lemon juice (optional), soy milk (optional), or cashew cream (optional). Blend the soup with an immersion blender or transfer to a blender until smooth.
- Spicy Lentil Soup: Rinse red lentils and add them to a large pot with vegetable broth (or water), diced tomatoes (with juice), chopped onion (optional), minced garlic (optional), grated ginger (optional), curry powder, turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the lentils are soft. Stir in hemp protein powder, spinach (optional), cilantro (optional), and lemon juice (optional). Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
- Hearty Vegetable Soup: Chop any vegetables that you have on hand, such as potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, zucchini, green beans, corn, peas, etc. Add them to a large pot with vegetable broth (or water), tomato paste (optional), bay leaf (optional), oregano (optional), basil (optional), salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Stir in hemp protein powder, cooked beans (optional), cooked quinoa (optional), parsley (optional), and vinegar (optional). Enjoy with crusty bread or crackers.
Conclusion
Hemp protein is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that you can use in many ways in your diet. It’s a great way to add more plant-based protein, fiber, healthy fats, and minerals to your meals and snacks. You can use hemp protein in smoothies and shakes, baked goods, or soups, or experiment with your own recipes. Hemp protein is easy to find in health food stores or online, and it’s affordable and eco-friendly. Try some of these hemp protein recipes today and see how they can improve your health and wellness.