Hummus - Health Benefits and Recipe

Hummus is the healthiest sandwich spread for all weight watchers and health conscious folks. Replace all fattening mayonnaise based spreads, butter and unhealthy dips with this hummus and gain its health benefits.

Hummus originated in the Middle East. I tired it for the first time while my visit to the Middle East. There, at a buffet lunch, a bowl full of hummus was placed at the table among dishes of healthy salads.It was so beautifully dressed with olives and olive oil that I just couldn't resist trying it.

Once I tried it, its creamy and light texture made me want more :) and why not ... its healthy, its non-fattening and its also filling :)

Hummus at a Restaurant in the Middle East

So, here is a recipe taken from BBC Food. But first let me tell you about its health benefits so that you can be motivated to replace your mayonnaise and butter spreads with hummus :).

Health Benefits of Hummus

The main ingredients used for making hummus are chick peas, olive oil and lemon juice. Plus, it contains seseme seed paste which is called "Tahini" in the Middle East. Chickpeas are a rich source of proteins while Tahini provides us with methionine which is an amino acid.

Hummus is a non-fattening spread which is high in the following nutrients:

• protein
• vitamin E
• vitamin C
• fiber
• zinc
• iron
• vitamin B6
• aniti-oxidants

Therefore, apart from helping you watch your weight, hummus is also great from your skin and hair :). The antioxidants found in olive oil will keep you young ;). In addition, the fiber makes you fill full, curbing your cravings for unhealthy sugary snacks.

 Recipe

Here is the simplest recipe of Hummus Taken from BBC Food website.

Ingredients:
Boiled Chickpeas ........................................................  200 grams
Extra Virgin Olive Oil ................................................... 2 Tbs
Lemon Juice ................................................................ 2-3 Tbs
Paste of seseme seeds .................................................. 100 ml
Crushed Garlic Cloves ................................................. 2
Ground Cumin.............................................................. 2 tsp
Salt .............................................................................. a pinch
Water............................................................................. 4 Tbs
Paprika .......................................................................... 1 tsp

How to Make:
Blend all the ingredients together in a food processor to make a smooth and creamy paste. Add more paprika, lemon juice and ground cumin if you like stronger seasoning. However, keep the salt content low. Drizzle with olive oil and enjoy as a dip or spread :).