Hey there! As Christmas draws near, the festive cheer is in the air, and what better way to celebrate than with some delightful flavours on your holiday table? If you're on the hunt for some scrumptious and wholesome dips to impress your guests, you're in luck! In this blog post, I'm excited to share with you five mouth-watering hummus recipes that are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, these easy-to-follow recipes will add a dash of culinary magic to your festive feast.
These variations of hummus dips are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients beneficial for women, particularly those going through menopause. Each recipe makes 2 servings.
Contents:
1 Classic Chickpea Hummus
Smooth, traditional blend with a rich tahini essence, complemented by a bright touch of lemon and a subtle hint of garlic, creating a timeless and comforting flavour.
Ingredients: 1 cup canned chickpeas (drained), 2 tablespoons tahini, 1 garlic clove, juice of ½ lemon, 1 teaspoon olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Calorie Count: ~150 calories per serving
Preparation:
Optional: cook chickpeas until tender and add a pinch of baking soda to the water. Baking soda softens the chickpeas, making them easier to blend into a creamy consistency. Rinse under cold water. You can remove the skins or leave them.
Blend chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt until smooth.
Adjust seasoning as needed and serve.
Benefits:
Chickpeas are a great source of phytoestrogens, which are beneficial during menopause for hormonal balance. Tahini, rich in calcium, supports bone health.
2 Beetroot and Walnut Hummus
Vibrantly coloured with an earthy sweetness from beetroot, this hummus has a slightly crunchy texture from walnuts, offering a nutritious and visually appealing dip.
Ingredients: 1 cup canned chickpeas, 2-3 cooked beetroots, ¼ cup walnuts, 1-2 tablespoons tahini, 1 garlic clove, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Calorie Count: ~180 calories per serving
Preparation:
Optional: cook chickpeas until tender and add a pinch of baking soda to the water. Baking soda softens the chickpeas, making them easier to blend into a creamy consistency. Rinse under cold water. You can remove the skins or leave them.
Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
Serve chilled.
Benefits:
Beetroots are high in antioxidants and walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, supporting brain health and mood regulation.
3 Avocado and Spinach Hummus
Creamy avocado merges with fresh spinach for a nutrient-rich, green-hued hummus, with a mild, buttery flavour enhanced by a probiotic tang from Greek yoghurt.
Ingredients: 1 cup canned chickpeas, ½ ripe avocado, ½ cup fresh spinach, 2 tablespoons Greek yoghurt, 1 garlic clove, 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Calorie Count: ~160 calories per serving
Preparation:
Optional: cook chickpeas until tender and add a pinch of baking soda to the water. Baking soda softens the chickpeas, making them easier to blend into a creamy consistency. Rinse under cold water. You can remove the skins or leave them.
Blend all ingredients until creamy.
Season to taste and serve.
Benefits:
Avocado provides healthy fats and fibre, while Greek yoghurt adds a probiotic boost for gut health.
4 Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Hummus
This version combines the intense, tangy flavour of sun-dried tomatoes with aromatic basil, offering a Mediterranean-inspired taste that's both savoury and slightly herbal.
Ingredients: 1 cup canned chickpeas, ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, 2 tablespoons tahini, 1 garlic clove, 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Calorie Count: ~170 calories per serving
Preparation:
Optional: cook chickpeas until tender and add a pinch of baking soda to the water. Baking soda softens the chickpeas, making them easier to blend into a creamy consistency. Rinse under cold water. You can remove the skins or leave them.
Puree all ingredients until smooth.
Serve with a drizzle of olive oil.
Benefits:
Sun-dried tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant beneficial for heart health, and basil can have a calming effect
.
5 Turmeric and Ginger Hummus
The Turmeric Ginger Hummus offers a warm, earthy flavour from the turmeric, paired with a zesty, slightly spicy kick from the ginger, all balanced within a creamy, nutty chickpea base.
Ingredients: 1 cup canned chickpeas, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, ½ teaspoon grated ginger, 2 tablespoons tahini, 1 garlic clove, 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Calorie Count: ~155 calories per serving
Preparation:
Optional: cook chickpeas until tender and add a pinch of baking soda to the water. Baking soda softens the chickpeas, making them easier to blend into a creamy consistency. Rinse under cold water. You can remove the skins or leave them.
Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Adjust seasoning as needed.
Benefits:
Turmeric and ginger both have anti-inflammatory properties and can help in managing menopausal symptoms like joint pain and mood swings.
How much Tahini should you use?
For a Mild Tahini Flavour: Use about 2 tablespoons of tahini. This amount will give a subtle sesame flavour without overpowering the chickpeas.
For a Richer Tahini Flavour: If you enjoy a stronger tahini presence in your hummus, increase the amount to 3 to 4 tablespoons. This will add a more pronounced sesame taste and creamier texture.
Remember, tahini is not just a flavouring agent; it also contributes significantly to the creamy texture of the hummus. If you find the hummus too thick after adding tahini, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little ice water or lemon juice.
It's always a good idea to start with a smaller amount and taste as you go, adding more if needed. The key is to balance the flavours of tahini, chickpeas, lemon juice, and garlic to your liking.
Bonus Hummus Recipe Tip for super creamy hummus
Achieving a super creamy texture in hummus is all about technique and a few key tips. Here are some suggestions to make your hummus exceptionally smooth and creamy:
Use High-Quality Tahini: A smooth, runny tahini is crucial for creamy hummus. It should be well-stirred before using. The quality of tahini can significantly affect the texture of your hummus.
Peel the Chickpeas: This might seem tedious, but removing the skins of canned or cooked chickpeas makes a big difference. The skins can make the hummus grainy, so taking them off results in a smoother texture.
Blend Longer Than You Think: Don't rush the blending process. Let your food processor or blender run for at least 4 to 5 minutes. This helps in breaking down the chickpeas to a very smooth consistency.
Add Ice Water: Instead of using tap water to thin the hummus, use ice water. The cold water helps in emulsifying the mixture and brings a fluffy, creamy texture to the hummus.
Use Baking Soda When Cooking Chickpeas: If you're using dried chickpeas, add a pinch of baking soda to the water when soaking and cooking them. Baking soda softens the chickpeas, making them easier to blend into a creamy consistency.
Balance Your Ingredients: Ensure that the ratio of chickpeas to tahini to lemon juice to garlic is balanced. Too much of any ingredient can affect both the texture and taste.
Add Olive Oil Gradually: If using olive oil, add it gradually while blending. This can help create a smoother, more emulsified texture.
Chill Before Serving: Sometimes, letting the hummus sit in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving can improve its texture and flavour.
By following these tips, you can achieve a wonderfully smooth and creamy hummus. Remember, making hummus is both an art and a science, so feel free to adjust the techniques to suit your preferences. Enjoy your delicious, healthful creation!
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