Post-Season Football means…..SNACKS! If you are like me, that means I am going to have to double down on those New Year’s resolutions. The trick is to make the snacks a healthy part of the meal. My go to plan here is Hummus. I like to make my own hummus because it is so simple and so easy to make it healthy. Try these.
1 Can of low sodium garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 garlic clove
3-4 T of chopped roasted red peppers (you will find them with the pimentos most likely)
1 medium avocado peeled and diced
1 T chili olive oil (or olive oil and a pinch of hot pepper flakes)
1 T water
Process the garlic clove with the olive oil in a food processor until finely chopped then add the rest of the ingredients and process until smooth and lightly salt to taste. Serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks and red pepper slices.
You will find that organic celery has much better flavor and everyone can eat this without worrying about spoiling dinner. This snack is a healthy part of your dinner.
If you like a traditional hummus, this is how I was taught by a Palestinian friend many years ago.
1 Can of low sodium garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 T lemon juice
2 cloves of garlic crushed
1 T tahini (sesame butter)
1 T olive oil or more if desired
Process in a food processor until smooth and add salt to taste.
I really like artichoke hummus and this is how I make.
1 Can of low sodium garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 T lemon juice
2 cloves of garlic crushed
4 marinated artichoke heart halves
Process in a food processor until smooth. You won’t need to add salt or oil because the marinated artichoke take care of that.
Finally, a new favorite of mine, beet hummus.
1 Can of low sodium garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 Can pickled beets drained, reserving 2 T of the juice (don’t use those Costco beets, too sweet)
1 clove of garlic crushed
2 T tahini
1-2 T water
Process the garlic clove with the tahini in a food processor until finely chopped then add the garbanzo beans and the drained pickled beets with 1 T each reserved juice and water; process until smooth. Add more water and juice if necessary to reach proper consistency. Serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks and red pepper slices.