Healthy Hummus For A Christmas Dip
Need an idea for a Christmas dip or spread for breads? Try healthy hummus.
Hummus is a creamy puree of chickpeas and tahini (sesame seed paste) seasoned with lemon juice and garlic, and is a popular spread and dip in Greece and in most parts of the Middle East.
Hummus is nutrition rich as it contains large doses of iron, vitamin C, and is a good source of protein and dietary fiber due to its primary ingredient. There are several recipes for hummus; all containing varying amounts of monounsaturated fat. Hummus can taste spicy, garlicky or have a strong lemon tast, depending on which recipe you use.
Chickpeas are alternatively known as garbanzo beans, the Spanish translation. They are also otherwise called cece beans in Italy.
You can garnish hummus with nuts or herbs. Try parsley, cumin, pine nuts, chopped cucumber, sauteed mushrooms, parsley etc. It is especially great for vegetarian and vegan diets. When eaten with pita bread, the combination provides all essential amino acids for humans.
Here is an easy recipe (from about.com) to make hummus:
Ingredients:
1 can of chick peas/garbanzo beans (15 oz)
1/3 cup tahini
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 cup -3/4 cup roasted red peppers (depending on taste)
Method:
1. In a food processor, combine beans, tahini, lemon juice and olive. Process until smooth. Add red peppers and garlic until desired consistency.
2. Garnish with parsley.
3. Serve warm with hot pita bread or toasted pita chips.
