How to Make Hummus Healthy

Hummus is an excellent way to incorporate protein, fiber and other essential nutrients into your diet. Not only that, but it’s incredibly versatile and delicious on its own or combined with various other foods.

Chickpea and tahini dip, two ingredients easily found at the grocery store, is what this delicious dip is made with. Seasoned with lemon juice and salt for flavor, it can be served alongside crackers, raw dip vegetables or toasted pita bread.

Chickpeas

For a healthy, low-calorie snack, make hummus from chickpeas. They provide protein and fiber which will help you feel fuller longer and prevent overeating later on.

To achieve a creamy texture, first remove the skins from chickpeas before blending. Place drained chickpeas in a food processor along with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and water. Blend until well combined.

Blend until you achieve a creamy, silky consistency that’s delicious. Taste, and adjust seasoning as necessary with more lemon juice or salt if needed. For additional flavor, garnish with paprika or toasted pine nuts for extra flair.

Tahini

If you’ve ever made hummus, you know the essential role tahini plays. Not only does it give it a deep and rich taste, but its addition also elevates this dip to something truly exceptional!

Tahini is a thick paste made of sesame seeds that’s traditionally prepared by roasting and grinding them to a fine powder.

Making tahini requires precision. For this reason, you may need to use a food processor or high-powered blender for best results. Additionally, add more water as necessary until your desired consistency is reached.

Olive Oil

One of the best ways to enhance the flavor and quality of your hummus is by switching it out for olive oil instead of regular vegetable oil. This is because olive oil contains monounsaturated fats which are less likely to become damaged from heat and light exposure.

To make hummus, blend rinsed canned chickpeas in a food processor with tahini paste, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and cayenne pepper until smooth. Then thin with lukewarm water until you achieve your desired consistency.

Garlic

Hummus is an increasingly popular appetizer that can be made with various ingredients. For a sweeter twist, you could roast garlic for added sweetness.

Add some paprika for a slightly smoky taste, or for something subtler, try adding ground coriander.

Place cooked chickpeas, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, roasted garlic cloves and salt in your food processor or high-speed blender. Blend until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.

Lemon Juice

Lemons are an essential component in hummus, and it’s simple to make the dip healthier by adding some lemon juice. This tart citrus fruit provides a natural boost of vitamin C that supports immunity and lowers heart disease risks.

Lemon juice can also be a beneficial hydrating beverage, particularly for those with digestive issues. The dietary fiber found in its rind and pulp helps stimulate digestion and reduce inflammation.

It’s wise to keep some lemons on hand for juicing, as the juice can last up to three days in the refrigerator and doesn’t spoil when frozen.

Salt

Hummus is an easy to make snack that you can whip up in the kitchen with just a few ingredients. Not only does it contain protein and fiber, but also potassium and calcium for added nutrition.

Salt is an essential element in many hummus recipes, helping the chickpeas blend smoothly and adding flavor. But be mindful: too much salt may have negative consequences on your health.

To prevent this, only use a minimal amount of salt – usually around one teaspoon for most people.