I love hummus! I could eat it everyday, but I don’t because I do strive to have a good rotation diet.  My love of hummus is also shared by my son who practically licks his plate clean when he eats it.  There are so many good wholesome foods in hummus.  Chickpeas are a great vegetarian source of protein, fresh extra virgin olive oil can benefit cardiovascular health and fresh chopped garlic is a great immune boosting agent.

Not only is it super healthy for you but it can be enjoyed by all members of your family, so if you have a wee one over 9 months of age this is something you can introduce (check out my food introduction post if you would like more information).

FYI: It is advisable to use dry chickpeas over canned.  Cans are typically lined with BPA containing plastic which can leak into the food.  Bisphenol A’s are an estrogen mimicking agent that can result in hormonal imbalances and negatively impact behavioural and emotional regulation in children. (1)

Recipe

(adapted from the amazing Sam Peris @ Nu Roots Nutrition) 

 

• 1 cup                dry chickpeas (soak overnight then cook for 1 hr with 1 piece of kombu)
• 1-2 tbsp           tahini (or brown sesame seed butter)
• 1-3 tbsp           olive oil (or a blend of olive and flax oils)  
• up to 1⁄4 tsp.   cayenne powder  
• 1⁄2 -1 tsp.         Celtic sea salt or Himalayan rock salt (to taste) 
• 11⁄2  tsp.          ground cumin  
• 1-2 cloves       mashed garlic 
• 2 tbsp              fresh lemon juice   
• as needed       water (or juices from cooking chickpeas)
   
  other variations:
  add fresh ginger instead of garlic
  add dill
  add tamari , bragg’s or soy sauce
  add olives
  add roasted red pepper
   
  • Place rinsed chickpeas in a s in a blender or food processor with the remaining ingredients.  If the consistency is too thick, add some water.
  • Empty the contents in a bowl.
  • If serving as a dip, pour some olive oil on top and sprinkle with some paprika, cumin and chopped parsley.
  • Eat with carrots, celery, or any other veggie, rice crackers, or 100% organic corn chips as a treat

  Enjoy! 🙂

  Reference: (1) Pediatrics.2011.Nov; 128(5):873-82.

  Dr. Michelle Peris is a Naturopathic Doctor whose goal is to inspire health through educating, motivating and empowering people.  She has a family based practice out of a clinic in Oakville, Ontario.

  Contact Dr. Michelle today to book your 15 minute complimentary consult.