Indulge with Savory Flax Crackers

Are you a big fan of crackers? How about trying a super healthy alternative to your store-bought crackers and making this healthy recipe?

You know the health benefits of flaxseeds from a previous article. They are the highest plant source of the omega-3 essential fatty acid, alpha linolenic acid. Omega-3 is highly associated with lowering the risk of heart disease. Flaxseeds are known to help lower your blood pressure and they are also linked to a lower risk of breast cancer in women. They also create a snack easy on your digestive system because they contain dietary fiber.

Other core ingredients in this healthy recipe cracker snack are hemp hearts and chia seeds. Chia seeds are also a great source of omega-3. Hemp hearts are essentially shelled hemp seeds, and they are also good for lowering blood pressure. Hemp, chia, and flaxseeds all contain dietary fiber, which is known to help digestion and weight loss. This makes the healthy recipe a great addition to your weight loss plan.

To make this healthy recipe you can use a dehydrator or the oven. Once they are crispy or to your desired texture, enjoy! You can spread hummus, a pesto, or your preferred on these savory crackers.

Savory Flax Crackers

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon dry herbs and spices (oregano, basil, chili powder, cumin, etc.)
  • 2 cups flaxseeds
  • 1/2 cup hemp hearts
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2-1 teaspoon teaspoon of Himalayan rock salt or Celtic sea salt
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, basil, rosemary, thyme, etc.)

Optional

  • 1 tablespoon raw honey
  • 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions

With a coffee grinder, grind flaxseeds briefly until they become a coarse meal. When complete put them into a large mixing bowl.
Add chia seeds, hemp hearts, water, salt, and the herbs and spices.
Quickly mix before the flax absorbs too much of the water. This allows for easy spreading.
Immediately spread the mixture onto a solid dehydrator sheet. Let harden for 10 minutes then cut into your desired crackers shapes.
Put in the dehydrator at 115 degrees Fahrenheit for three to four hours, or until the top is dry. Flip onto a mesh dehydrator sheet, and continue to dehydrate for about five hours or until it is crispy at 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
Don’t have a food dehydrator? Spread the mixture onto an oiled cookie sheet, and cut into your desired cracker shapes. Next, dry in the oven on the lowest possible temperature with the door slightly ajar. Keep in the oven for four to six hours, or until you obtain your desired texture. It can be very crispy to slightly soft.
You can keep the crackers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two weeks. It can also keep in the freezer for up to two months.

Sources:
Cabaca, E., Earthly & Divine: Whole Recipes for a Healthy World (Richmond Hill: Pronto Reproductions Ltd., 2010), 109.

Mateljan, G., The World’s Healthiest Foods: Essential Guide for the Healthiest Way of Eating (Seattle: George Mateljan Foundation, 2007), 512-513.
Coles, T., “Chia Seed Benefits: 10 Reasons To Add Chia To Your Diet,” The Huffington Post Canada web site, Nov. 22, 2013; http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/06/03/chia-seed-benefits-_n_3379831.html