Hummus is one of my favourite foods so it seems appropriate that the first recipe I post be for a Thai inspired variety. I recently discovered the trick for making heavenly smooth hummus; you must peel the chickpeas after they have cooked and cooled. Yes, this does take some time, but the results are amazing! However, I would most likely skip this step when making a larger batch with 2 or 3 cups because it would simply take too long! Benefits:
- Garlic is an amazing source of manganese. Manganese is an essential trace mineral that aids in cholesterol synthesis, blood sugar and mood regulation, calcium absorption for better bone health, cell protection, thyroid function, and is a necessary nutrient for nerve transmission and brain health. Garlic is also a powerful antioxidant due to its high content of vitamin C and antibacterial/antiviral sulphur compounds.
- Chickpeas are another great source of manganese, but also contain high amounts of molybdenum and folate. Molybdenum is also a trace mineral and is required as a cofactor for many enzymatic reactions in the body. Folate (vitamin B9) comes from the Latin word for foliage to reflect this foods high concentration in greens like spinach, collard, and lettuce. Vitamin B9 helps prevent anemia by supporting red blood cell production, which are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. It is often used interchangeably with folic acid, which is the synthetic form found in fortified foods and some supplements. Folate is best known as the 'pregnancy vitamin' for its well studied successes with preventing birth defects. However, it is important for women who are not pregnant and men to also receive adequate amounts of folate from their food.
- Lastly, hummus is an excellent source of soluble fibre, which supports regular bowel elimination and helps to maintain blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Ingredients:
1 cup chickpeas, cooked & peeled (approx. 1/2 cup dried)
2 cloves garlic
1-2 teaspoons yellow curry paste
1/4 cup coconut milk (more to thin if desired)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
sea salt to taste
Combine all ingredients until smooth in a high-speed blender or food processor. Serve with fresh veggies, baked yam rounds, or steamed beets. Hummus is also a delicious alternative to mayonnaise in wraps and sandwiches.
References
- Mateljan, G. (2007). The world’s healthiest foods. Seattle: George Mateljan Foundation.
- The Livestrong Foundation. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com