Cinnamon Vanilla Sunflower Butter

 

2 cups / 225 g raw sunflower seeds
1/4 cup / 60 ml sunflower oil, divided
1/2 tsp. fine grain sea salt, plus more as needed

2 T. vanilla bean paste (or seeds scraped from 2 plump vanilla beans)

3 tsp. ground cinnamon
zest of 1/2 a lemon, or to taste

 

Toast the sunflower seeds in a 325F / 165C oven, on a rimmed baking sheet, until fragrant and golden. You’ll want to stir them once or twice along the way to ensure even roasting. Let cool for ten minutes. Puree the seeds in a food processor along with 1 T. sunflower oil, and the sea salt (if using). As the motor runs drizzle in another 2 T. of sunflower oil. Scrape down the sides once or twice along the way, you’re aiming for an even, creamy consistency, and it may take some time. Once the mixture starts to look smooth, add the vanilla paste and cinnamon, and pulse to incorporate. At this point, evaluate the consistency, if your sunflower seed butter is on the thick side, drizzle in the remaining T. of oil while the processor is running. Taste, and add more salt if needed (and the lemon zest. if using), as well. Makes about 1 1/2 cup