WHAT’S IN IT
1 ½ cups dried chickpeas, soaked in water overnight
½ t baking soda
Sea Salt
2 garlic cloves, finely grated
3 - 4 t fresh lemon juice
1 ¼ - 1 ½ cups tahini
4 T EVOO (plus more for garnish)
Paprika (sprinkled for garnish)
HOW TO MAKE IT
Drain soaked chickpeas. Place in medium saucepan and cover with water 2 inches above chickpeas. Add baking soda and cook over moderate heat until they become soft and skins break down (60 -90- minutes). Season chickpeas with salt and cool completely in the cooking liquid.
Once cooled, place the chickpeas, ¼ cup of the reserved cooking liquid, garlic and lemon juice in a food processor. Puree til smooth, about 4 minutes. Add tahini and EVOO, continue to process until hummus thickens. Add more lemon, salt to taste. Garnish with a generous swish of EVOO and a sprinkle of paprika
Recipe from The New Mediterranean Table by Sameh Wadi
WHY IT’S HEALTHY
Chickpeas are high in fiber, which helps improve digestion and support heart health, helps control blood sugar levels, and guards against cancer, heart disease, diverticulosis and kidney stones. Garlic has high levels of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and B-6, and minerals such as selenium, calcium, copper, and iron. Garlic also contains strong antibiotic, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. Lemons are rich in Vitamin C needed for collagen production that is essential for smooth, healthy skin. They are rich in bioflavonoids (which can significantly boost the immune system) and are a good source of B6, thiamin, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Tahini is a good source of B vitamins and minerals like magnesium, copper, phosphorus, manganese, iron and zinc. The iron in tahini helps prevent anemia and fatigue. Extra Virgin Olive oil contains oleocanthal which has properties similar to non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs. EVOO helps keep blood pressure low and prevent LDL oxidation, and has a monounsaturated fatty acid called oleic acid which is heart-healthy and helps fight free radical damage. Paprika contains many antioxidants, including carotenoids, that fight free radical damage that can cause disease. It can be used to improve heart and eye health. Cumin helps the body absorb and assimilate nutrients much more efficiently. It also contains anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties, and has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of stomach, colon, and liver tumors. It has also been shown to detoxify the body by boosting liver and kidney function. It is known to help benefit colds, flu, insomnia, asthma, pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, muscle spasms, and arthritis.
ENJOY!