Sauces/Pestos, Dips & Sauces

Hummus with Red Swirl

Name: Hummus with Red Swirl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lemon (juiced); 1/2 teaspoon salt or more to serve; 1 tablespoon coriander or basil pesto; 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil for serving; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika for serving; 2 tablespoon tahini (sesame paste); Chickpea/garbanzo beans, cooked (original: Chickpea/garbanzo beans, cooked); 1 large paprika (roasted); Fresh parsley or coriander for garnish and serving (original: Fresh parsley or coriander for garnish and serving)

Por Dada Shivananda

Nearly all-vegan households always have a tab of hummus in the fridge, which accompanies almost every meal. However, for most people, what they have is a store-bought variety. While it is tasty, there are better choices than this one. First, you can't compare the taste of freshly made hummus with what you buy in the store with added chemicals and preservatives to keep it on the shelf longer. Secondly, when you make your hummus, you get to control all the ingredients that go into it, unlike what you buy.

This Chickpea Hummus with A Red Swirl is a traditional Middle Eastern recipe with very simple ingredients that blend beautifully to create a creamy and intensely flavorful hummus. Middle Eastern hummus traditionally uses chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans, because they have a very creamy texture. You can also reserve the cooking liquid, known as "Aguafuba," for baking since it is very gelatinous.

Chickpeas are the most common base for a creamy and thick hummus. They are rich in protein and fiber, supplemented by potent minerals and vitamins that promote muscle and bone strength. They are especially beneficial for pre-diabetics or people with diabetes due to their high levels of dietary fiber that help lower blood glucose. Chickpeas also provide choline, a powerful antioxidant that supports mental and nervous health.

For a great-tasting hummus, use chickpeas, tahini (made from grinding toasted sesame seeds) which adds a nutty flavor, fresh lemon juice for a welcome tang, spices and herbs of your choice, and olive oil to bind all the ingredients and create a silky texture. Additionally, roasted red pepper is blended and swirled into the hummus to deliver an extraordinary taste and added luxury.

Serve it with your pasta or make a taco spread by adding your favorite veggies and enjoy culinary heaven!

Nutritional Benefits: Chickpeas are rich in protein and fiber, packed with essential minerals and vitamins that promote muscle and bone strength through protein, calcium, and iron. They are especially beneficial for pre-diabetics or diabetics, as their high dietary fiber helps regulate blood glucose levels. Chickpeas also provide choline, a powerful antioxidant supporting mental and nervous system health. Sweet red pepper (paprika) is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which support eye health and bolster immunity. Additionally, it contains beta-carotene, vitamin B6, niacin, folate, riboflavin, iron, magnesium, and potassium, contributing to robust heart, bone, neural, and digestive health.