Entering middle age primarily means getting thrilled about various hummus flavors.
Unknown over 45 year old.
Middle age is where I find my place – and caramelised onion, chili, and sweet potato rank among my top choices to jazz up hummus. The original hummus – chickpeas, garlic, tahini, salt, lemon, and olive oil – is a fantastic creation, but giving it a few twists here and there is quite beneficial and pays homage to the humble chickpea and this Middle Eastern classic. I’ve prepared a beetroot version here, which is creamy, earthy, and absolutely delightful when paired with dukkah and flatbread.
Ingredients:
- 250 g fresh, cooked beetroot (I prefer purchasing vacuum-sealed beetroot from the grocery store or fresh market)
- 425 g can of chickpeas, thoroughly drained
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 heaped tablespoon tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- sea salt
- 1 teaspoon nigella seeds
- 2 teaspoons dukkah
Chop the beetroot roughly and mince the garlic finely. Combine the beetroot, chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil in a food processor and process until it’s smooth and creamy. Season with sea salt to taste and perhaps a bit more lemon juice if a stronger tang is desired. Serve, garnished with nigella seeds and dukkah, alongside flatbread or seed crackers. It’s also delicious on rye toast topped with sliced avocado or a poached egg.
**Creamy Beetroot-Enhanced Hummus Dip: A Colorful and Wholesome Twist on a Classic**
Hummus, the cherished Middle Eastern spread crafted from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, has evolved into a kitchen essential globally. Its smooth consistency, rich taste, and flexibility make it a popular snack or starter. However, if you wish to elevate your standard hummus with a splash of color, taste, and enhanced nutrition, look no further than **beetroot-enhanced hummus**. This vibrant pink spread is not only visually appealing but also brimming with health perks.
### What is Beetroot-Enhanced Hummus?
Beetroot-enhanced hummus is essentially a traditional hummus recipe with the addition of roasted or boiled beetroot. The beets impart a sweet, earthy flavor to the hummus while lending it a striking magenta color. This straightforward twist turns the classic dip into something distinctive and exciting, ideal for impressing guests or adding a splash of color to your meal.
### Health Benefits of Beetroot-Enhanced Hummus
Both hummus and beetroot are nutritional powerhouses individually, so bringing them together results in a dip that’s not only tasty but also incredibly healthful.
1. **Nutrient-Dense**:
– **Chickpeas**: The primary ingredient of hummus, chickpeas, provide an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and vital vitamins like folate and iron. They also possess complex carbohydrates that deliver sustained energy.
– **Beetroot**: Beets are abundant in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, potassium, manganese, and folate. They also boast high levels of antioxidants, particularly betalains, which contribute to beets’ vibrant hue and possess anti-inflammatory properties.
2. **High in Fiber**:
Both chickpeas and beets are fantastic sources of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health, aids in regulating blood sugar levels, and promotes feelings of fullness, making this dip a fantastic choice for those wishing to maintain or shed pounds.
3. **Heart Health**:
– **Beetroot**: Beets have been recognized for their ability to reduce blood pressure due to their high nitrate content. Nitrates transform into nitric oxide in the body, promoting relaxation of blood vessels and improved circulation.
– **Olive Oil**: The olive oil included in hummus is a beneficial source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can assist in lowering bad cholesterol levels and diminishing heart disease risk.
4. **Anti-Inflammatory Effects**:
The antioxidants present in both beets and olive oil offer anti-inflammatory benefits, potentially helping to decrease the risk of chronic ailments like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
5. **Enhances Athletic Performance**:
Beets are frequently considered a superfood for athletes due to their ability to improve oxygen delivery and endurance. The nitrates in beets can boost exercise performance by increasing blood flow to muscles, making beetroot-enhanced hummus an excellent snack before or after workouts.
### How to Create Creamy Beetroot-Enhanced Hummus
Crafting beetroot-enhanced hummus at home is straightforward and requires only a handful of ingredients. Here’s a simple recipe to help you get started:
#### Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized beetroot, roasted or boiled
– 1 can (15 oz) of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
– 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Water or chickpea liquid (aquafaba) for thinning, as needed
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Beetroot**: If using raw beetroot, roast it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 40-50 minutes, or until soft. Alternatively, you can boil the beetroot until tender. Once cooked, peel and cut into pieces.
2. **Blend the Ingredients**: In a food processor, combine the cooked beetroot, chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and cumin (if using). Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the processor for even mixing.
3. **Adjust Consistency**: If the hummus is too dense, incorporate a tablespoon of water or chickpea liquid (aquafaba) gradually until achieving your desired thickness.
4. **Season**: Taste the hummus and season with salt and pepper to your preference. Blend again to ensure an even distribution of seasoning.
5. **Serve**: Transfer the beetroot hummus to a serving dish and enjoy.