Thursday, April 06, 2006

HUMMUS: A HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS SNACK!

HUMMUS

Hummus (pronounced Hum-es) is a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dip made out of garbanzo beans (chick peas). This dip beats nacho cheese dip for me anytime. Plus it is extremely nutritional!

It is traditionally served with pita bread slices and fresh veggies. I eat it with tortilla chip and vegetables (olives, celery, carrots, etc.)

It contains no saturated fat, no cholesterol or sugar. Hummus is very high in protein and fiber. Some people use it as a sandwich spread in place of mayonnaise or as a replacement for sour cream on a baked potato. It can be a topping on broiled fish.

As early as 400 B.C., the benefits of Hummus in a diet were found in Plato and Socrates’ writings. For more information http://RITEFOODS.COM (CLICK UNDER RECIPES)

I began experimenting with a recipe after I couldn't afford the 7 oz tubs that cost $2.59. I tried recipes that used gabanzo flour and that didn't work out for me. I made a recipe with gabanzo beans and I make it quite often. Here's my recipe.

2 cans of gabanzo beans, drained, save 1/4 cup of the liquid
4-5 cloves of roasted garlic ( you can roast garlic in the oven, wrap a large head in foil and bake for 40 minutes in a 400 degree oven
salt to taste
1/2 to 1 tsp ground cumin powder
2 tsp of Tahini (sesame) This is sesame seed paste and is usually found in a health food store.
2 TB olive oil.
juice of one fresh lemon

Pour all the ingredients into a food processor and process until fairly smooth. Taste and add more salt if you desire.

For another hummus recipe check out http://greatpartyrecipes.com/hummusrecipe.html

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