Sunflower Seed Splendor

These sunflower seed crumbles are the perfect way to add a nutty, cheesy flavor to your favorite dishes. They're made with just a few simple ingredients and can be used in a variety of ways, from sprinkling them on salads and soups to using them as a breading for chicken or fish.

I first came up with this recipe when I was looking for a way to use up some leftover sunflower seeds. I had tried making sunflower seed butter before, but I didn't love the texture. I wanted something that was more crumbly and flavorful, and these sunflower seed crumbles fit the bill perfectly.

Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 5 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ tablespoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

1. Toast the sunflower seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned.
2. Transfer the sunflower seeds to a food processor or high-powered blender.
3. Add the olive oil, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Process until the mixture is finely ground and combined.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
7. Sprinkle over salads, soups, sandwiches, and dips.

Why It Works

• Toasting the sunflower seeds before grinding them gives them a nutty flavor and aroma.
• Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor and umami to the crumbles.
• Lemon juice brightens the flavor of the crumbles and helps to balance out the richness of the sunflower seeds.
• Salt and pepper season the crumbles and enhance their flavor.
• Garlic powder and onion powder add a savory flavor to the crumbles.