Month: December 2018

Why beet and mint hummus?

As a dietitian, I always think about ways that I can include more vegetables in my diet. Because of this, I try to bring healthy snacks to parties that I attend. Since it’s the holiday season, I wanted to create a healthy appetizer that would be a non-sweet holiday party hit. Hummus is my favorite go-to dip for veggies.

However, regular hummus can be boring to look at. Therefore, I wanted to add some festive color and flavor to it that would rival even the prettiest desserts of the season. The roasted beets in this beet and mint hummus added a beautiful red tint. The addition of a few mint leaves brought together the tastes of the season.

Spoiler: It’s delicious!

I did not expect that this roasted beet and mint hummus would end up being one of the favorite hummus flavor combinations that I’ve ever tried! I have a feeling that this hummus recipe will end up becoming a refreshing and healthy staple around my house.

What makes beet and mint hummus a healthy choice?

1. This hummus recipe is low in sodium and saturated fats. It is also a good source of healthy fats (monosaturated and polyunsaturated) and fiber. Therefore, it’s a heart-healthy choice.
2. Roasted beets are antioxidant-rich and are great sources of the vitamins and minerals folate,  manganese, potassium, copper, phosphorous, vitamin C, iron, and vitamin B6. 

Print Recipe

Holiday Beet and Mint Hummus

A colorful beet hummus with a hint of mint that is perfect for entertaining during the holidays. 

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keyword: beets, chick peas, hummus, mint, vegan, vegetarian

Servings: 14 servings

Author: Elora Bazanele, RD, LD

Ingredients

Hummus

• 2 cups chickpeas drained
• 1 roasted beet
• 1/4 cup tahini paste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 pinch salt
• 1/4 cup water depending on thickness of hummus
• 6 leaves fresh mint

Toppings

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp pine nuts optional
• 1 sprig fresh mint choose top of the sprig

Instructions

• Add the chickpeas, roasted beet, tahini paste, lemon juice, garlic cloves, and salt to a blender or food processor.
• Blend ingredients until combined. Add water if hummus is too thick or to desired consistency. 
• Spoon out hummus into a serving dish. Twirl spoon into the hummus to create a “well” for the olive oil. Drizzle olive oil on top of the hummus, sprinkle on the pine nuts, and top with a sprig of fresh mint.
• Serve on a platter with toasted pita bread and fresh colorful vegetables. Place leftovers in grab and go style containers inside the fridge for quick and healthy on-the-go snacks throughout the week.

Notes

* For smoother hummus use dried chickpeas. Soak the dried chickpeas overnight, rinse and then boil in plenty of water with 1 tbsp baking soda for about an hour, rinse thoroughly. Try to remove as many chickpea shells as you can.