Are you on the hunt for delicious, healthy snacks that align with a whole food lifestyle? Look no further! These Easy Whole-Food Gluten-Free Seed Crackers are not only incredibly simple to make with just five main ingredients, but they also perfectly embody the principles of whole food eating. Like all great recipes, this one is wonderfully adaptable, inviting you to personalize it to your taste. If you’re seeking wholesome, naturally gluten-free options, these crackers are a fantastic homemade choice. Plus, they’re naturally free from tree nuts, peanuts, soy, sesame, and oil, making them a go-to snack for those managing multiple allergies. The seasoning? That’s entirely up to you and your culinary creativity!
While customization is encouraged, certain ingredients are key to the success of these crackers. Chia and linseeds (flaxseeds) are the magic binders when combined with water, creating the perfect texture. Sunflower and pumpkin seeds contribute delicious flavor and ensure the crackers remain allergy-friendly. And the secret ingredient for easy spreading? Mashed potato! This simple addition makes spreading the cracker mix a breeze, similar to the technique used in potato and seaweed Scottish oatcakes. Experimenting with different varieties of potato, like purple and orange kūmara (sweet potato), can also add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to your crackers.
For those who prioritize taste over perfect shapes, feel free to bake the mixture as one large sheet and simply break it into rustic shards after baking. The flavor remains outstanding, regardless of the form!
Easy Whole-Food Gluten-Free Seed Crackers Recipe
This recipe yields approximately 1.35kg of delicious crackers, enough to fill three large 30 x 40 cm baking sheets.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Oven Temperature: 180ºC (350°F)
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup linseeds (flaxseeds)
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 2 cups cold water
- 3 cups warm mashed potato or kūmara (sweet potato) – approximately 600g
- Optional: Salt to taste for mashed potato
Method
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Hydrate the Seeds: In a large mixing bowl, combine linseeds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and cold water. Stir well to ensure all seeds are evenly mixed and hydrated. Set aside for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the chia and flax seeds to create a gel, which is essential for binding the crackers.
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Prepare the Potato: While the seeds are soaking, wash and boil your potatoes or kūmara until they are tender. Once cooked, drain the water and mash the potato until smooth. For an extra smooth texture, you can use a ricer or pass the mashed potato through a sieve. Keep the mashed potato warm.
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Combine and Season: Add the warm mashed potato to the seed mixture. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined, forming a thick, spreadable dough. At this stage, you can season the mashed potato with salt to taste if desired. Remember to omit salt if you are on a salt-free diet.
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Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 180ºC (350°F). Line three large baking trays with greaseproof paper (parchment paper).
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Spread the Cracker Dough: Divide the seed and potato mixture evenly between the three prepared baking trays. Use a palette knife or spatula to spread the mixture thinly and evenly across each tray. For uniform crackers, you can score the dough into desired shapes with a knife before baking.
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Add Optional Toppings: For extra flavor and visual appeal, consider sprinkling the sheets of cracker dough with seeds like nigella seeds (for an onion-like flavor), poppy seeds, or sesame seeds. See below for more flavor variations.
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Bake the Crackers: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the baking trays from the oven. Turn the crackers over on the trays and gently peel off the baking paper. This allows the undersides to become crisp. If needed, swap the positions of the top and bottom trays in the oven to ensure even baking. Bake for another 20 minutes, then check for crispness. The crackers are ready when they snap easily. If they are still slightly soft, reduce the oven temperature and continue baking until they reach the desired crispness.
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Cool and Store: Once baked, remove the trays from the oven and let the crackers cool completely on baking racks. Store the cooled crackers in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to maintain their freshness for longer.
More Flavor Options
Looking to elevate the flavor profile of your whole food seed crackers? Get creative with these additions:
- Herbs and Spices: Mix in dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning into the dough. For a spicy kick, add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Garlic or Onion Powder: Enhance the savory notes with garlic powder or onion powder.
- Nutritional Yeast: For a cheesy, umami flavor, incorporate nutritional yeast into the mixture.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top before baking for a classic savory flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These whole-food gluten-free crackers are incredibly versatile and perfect for various occasions. Enjoy them as a simple snack straight out of the container, or incorporate them into a stunning plant-based platter. Pair them with green tomato caper berries, green tomato chutney, preserved walnuts, or quick pickled red onions for a delightful appetizer spread.
Don’t forget about cheese! If you’re exploring plant-based cheese options, these crackers are fantastic with easy plant-based cheese recipes for beginners or flavored dairy-free labneh.
For a more substantial topping, try a vegan smoked salmon pâté. If you prefer dips, avocado whip, muhammara (roasted red pepper and walnut dip), and sesame-free hummus are all excellent choices for dipping these seedy crackers.
Finding Whole Food Ingredients Near You
To make these wholesome crackers, you’ll want to source high-quality whole food ingredients. “Whole foods near me” is more than just a search term; it’s a gateway to discovering local markets, health food stores, and farmers’ markets that offer the best ingredients for your healthy cooking journey. By searching “whole foods near me,” you can find:
- Farmers’ Markets: Discover locally sourced, fresh produce, and often seeds and nuts directly from farmers.
- Health Food Stores: These stores specialize in natural, organic, and whole food products, including a wide variety of seeds, grains, and other pantry staples needed for this recipe.
- Grocery Stores with Natural Food Sections: Many mainstream grocery stores now have dedicated sections for natural and organic foods, offering a convenient option for finding whole food ingredients.
- Bulk Food Stores: Buying seeds and other dry goods in bulk can be more economical and environmentally friendly.
Embrace the journey of whole food eating, starting with these simple and delicious seed crackers. Experiment with flavors, find your favorite dips and toppings, and explore the wealth of whole food options available “near me” to enhance your healthy lifestyle.
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