Seeds are superfoods! They offer a great source of 'good fats' and contain a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals - including calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, vitamin A, B, C and E and the full profile of amino acids that help us digest protein. And the best part is that they are so nutrient dense you really don't need to eat a lot of them to reap their powerful health and taste benefits. Just 2 tablespoons a day is more than enough! The seeds are incredibly satisfying and will help you feel fuller for longer between meals.

Over the holidays, I made a batch of one of my favorite spiced seed blends, Dukkah. Dukkah is an Egyptian spiced seed blend made from a range of seeds, spices and nuts. I will be sprinkling this on salads, avocado toast, soups, roast vegetables, dips or any kind of grilled protein (fish, chicken) all year long! Dukkah has become an essential pantry ingredient for me.

You can improvise with this recipe by creating your own combination of seeds and spices - but this is my favorite combination. Making this on your own is easy and lots of fun. I always end up making extra to give away as little gifts for friends!

Ingredients

• 1/2 c toasted pistachios
• 1/2 c toasted hazelnuts
• 1/4 c toasted white sesame seeds
• 1/4 c black sesame seeds
• 2 tbs sunflower seeds
• 1 tbs crushed coriander seeds
• 1 tbs crushed cumin seeds
• 1 tbs za'atar
• 1 tbs sea salt flakes
• 1 tps freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Toast the nuts and seeds for 2-3 mins in an oven or fry pan (nuts and seed separately) until slightly browned and fragrant. Watch carefully as the nuts and seeds can burn very quickly.
2. Crush the seeds in a mortar and pestle or food processor. Chop the nuts by hand or throw into a food processor. I like to keep the nuts a little bit chunky for crunch and texture!
3. Mix all remaining ingredients together in a bowl, then transfer to small glass jars.

Dukkah will last up to a year if kept in a sealed air-tight container.

Dukkah can be sprinkled over anything! I like it best sprinkled over salad, soup or avocado toast. I also love to use it as a crust for roasted vegetables or grilled fish. This transforms an already healthy dish into a something that is highly nutritious, crunchy, satisfying and looks pretty too!