Unique and Tasty Hummus

By Noor Salem, contributing columnist

Hummus is one of my all-time favorite foods and after learning of it’s remarkable health benefits, it might just become yours, too! The main ingredient in hummus is evidently chickpeas, which are extremely high in protein. This explains why you may feel extremely full (and satisfied) after eating hummus. Chickpeas are also high in dietary fiber, which keep your digestive system and colon in check. They prevent constipation, balance blood sugar, and are extremely healthy for your heart. Chickpeas are a wonderful source of iron, copper, manganese, zinc, and folate. At this point you’re probably wondering if there’s any reason not to become obsessed with hummus dip.

The extra virgin olive oil provides a healthy fat, great for your heart, hair, skin and nails. Olive oil also decreases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and lowers cholesterol levels. Best of all, being a fat, olive oil provides you with satiety. This recipe makes a great mid-morning snack, which will keep you satisfied until lunch. I also enjoy it as a breakfast, lunch, or dinner menu item. I personally feel you can never go wrong with hummus; it tastes great, keeps you full, and is extremely healthy for you!

The onion (or garlic if you decide to substitute it) work as a natural antibiotic, building your immunity and providing you with heart healthy benefits. I enjoy using red onions as a twist from the white onions; it has a subtler taste and a lot more antioxidants due to the pigment.

Fresh lemon juice paired with iron from the chickpeas allows your body to better absorb the iron! As I’ve stated previously, pairing foods high in vitamin C (i.e. lemon, oranges, etc.) with foods high in iron allows your body to better absorb the iron. It’s a great fact to keep in mind when preparing meals for you and your family.

This dip works great with fresh vegetables as a snack, or aside your grilled chicken at dinner. I must say, it even tastes delicious right off the spoon. I specifically paired it with Way Better Snacks chips in this recipe. They are a great healthy snack choice and come in a number of delicious flavors. They are non-GMO verified, made with beans, and are also high in dietary fiber. Give this recipe a try, and feel free to substitute any of the spices with another of your choice.

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/3 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed

¼ cup water, cold

1-2 teaspoons Himalayan Pink Salt

½ teaspoon organic dried rosemary

½ teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon dried dill

1 small red onion (or 2-3 cloves garlic)

3 cups chickpeas (pre-soaked)

1/3 cup tahini paste (ground sesame seed)

Garnish: Extra Virgin Olive Oil and fresh parsley, chopped

Organic/non-GMO chips (Way Better Snacks is one of my favorite brands)

Directions:

1. Drain the pre-soaked chickpeas.
2. Place the oil, lemon, water, spices, and onion in your food processor. Pulse until liquefied.
3. Add the chickpeas and tahini paste. Pulse until smooth and well incorporated.
4. Transfer the hummus to a serving platter. Drizzle with olive oil and chopped parsley or a few leaves of fresh baby spinach.
5. Serve with fresh vegetables, Way Better chips, or eat it off of your favorite dinner spoon.

Editor’s note: Noor H. Salem is an author, speaker, and Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, from Michigan. Noor works with clients in better understanding their bodies and healing with natural foods through her wellness practice, Holistic Noortrition. She presents various workshops, school lectures, group coaching classes, and community lectures on the topic of holistic health. Noor recently published her book, Sunnah Superfoods, a culmination of life-changing recipes and remedies, with a foreword by Dr. Waleed Basyouni. Her book consists of prophetic hadith, modern research, and delicious recipes, and is in the process of being translated into other languages.

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