Red Beet Hummus
The normal hummus appetizer at the party has some competition. Here is my recipe for…
A Vibrant, Fragrant & Flavorful Hummus made with Red Beet Crystals, drizzled in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Topped with Fresh Garlic, Lemon Zest, Garden Herbs, and Pine nuts…..
This is the first time I’ve made hummus homemade and now that I know just how quick & easy it is to make, I will be buying much less store-bought hummus. Just pour all your ingredients in a food processor, and within a couple seconds you will have delicious hummus.
I love this recipe and this dish because you can be as creative as you like with the toppings and combinations of flavors, seasonings, and herbs. This really is a show stopping appetizer and could brighten up any table at a party!
Here are 3 reasons I love making Hummus with Salus Red Beet Crystals….
The most simple, and effective way to create a visually stunning dish is adding a pop of color. For a more elevated, Instagram-worthy, and aesthetic dish, I suggest making Hummus with Red Beet Crystals for this dreamy fuscia color.
Adding the Red Beet Crystals takes no time at all, and saves a lot of time in the kitchen. As a root vegetable, beets can take quite a while to prepare for consumption. If you are using a whole beet in the recipe, it has to be wrapped in foil, and roasted for an hour and blended before adding to the hummus. However, this recipe only takes 5-10 minutes in total.
Saving the best reason for last… Red Beet Crystals are extremely nutritious, energizing, and contain antioxidant properties. Just 1 TBLS with give all the same health benefits of a whole beet. They dissolve super quickly in the hummus mixture, making it a very easy way to add nutrition to one’s diet.
The word Hummus literally translates as chickpeas in Arabic. This prominent dish dates back to Ancient Egypt, and is seen in many Middle Eastern cultures, such as Arab, Jewish, & Palestinian, as well as Greek. It seems to be just as popular today in Western culture as it always has been in the Middle Eastern since early civilization. The flavors, toppings, and seasoning may vary across the world, but the basis of hummus is comprised of chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil.
Chickpeas- also known as Garbanzo beans are part of the legume family and have a slightly starchy, and grainy texture. They are very high in both protein and fiber, which is why hummus is such a great snack and appetizer option because it is so filling.
Tahini- a savory nut butter made from grinding lightly roasted sesame seeds. The flavor is strong and earthy, unlike other nut butters that have a sweeter flavor. Due to sesame being a powerful ingredient, tahini is…. full of anti-oxidents, contains antibacterial properties, and is anti-inflammatory.
Ingredients
For the Hummus…
Chickpeas aka Garbanzo Beans- drained can
1/3 Cup Tahini
2 Garlic Cloves- Chopped
1 TSP Salt
1/3 Cup of Lemon Juice + Lemon Zest
1 TSP Cumin
1/2 TSP Za’Atar Seasoning (Optional)
1 TBLS Salus Organic Red Beet Crystals
1/3 Cup Olive Oil
For the Topping…
Extra Virgin Olive Oil- High Quality
Pine Nuts
Lemon Zest
Fresh Garden Herbs- Chives, Basil, Oregano
Za’Atar Seasoning
More Topping Ideas…
Feta - Radish - Salt Flakes - Sun Dried Tomatoes - Paprika -Parsley - Rosemary - Green Onions - Roasted Red Peppers - Kalamata Olives
How to Make It…
Serves 4-6
Combine Chickpeas, Tahini, Garlic, Lemon Juice, Salt, Cumin, Za’Atar Seasoning, Red Beet Crystals in a food processor & blend. For a darker color, use 2 or 3 Tbls of Red Beet Crystals, instead of just 1.
Pour the Olive Oil in a little at a time until the mixture is smooth.
If needed, add more salt, lemon, seasoning or garlic as needed to your preference. I chose a more garlic and lemon.
Add your preferred toppings. There is endless options for toppings and combinations. This hummus I first drizzled some Extra Virgin Olive Oil, then lightly layered it with pine nuts, lemon zest, za’atar seasoning, and chopped fresh herbs from my garden.
Serve with Pita Bread, Pita Chips, Naan or Flatbread. I sautéed my bread with a little bit of olive oil in a pan for a few minutes.
For 20% off, please use this discount code….ORTIZ20
You can purchase the Salus Organic Red Beet Crystals at Floradix.com
I have really been enjoying them for smoothies, on veggies, in soups, and of course replacing food dye in baked goods. It is perfect for adding additional nutrition and sweetness!