Creamy White Bean and Herb Dip

A creamy, delicious, refreshing dip that has highlights of lemon and herbs. Great as a dip or used in a wrap or sandwich.

Ingredients :

1 can (15oz) cannellini beans

1/4 cup tahini (best to use a thinner consistency)

3 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp lemon zest

1/2 tsp salt

1-2 cloves garlic grated or pressed

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp of water if needed

1/4 cup chopped herbs of choice ( dill, basil, parsley, rosemary, or thyme)

Instructions:

In a food processor add drained and rinsed beans, tahini, lemon zest lemon juice, salt, garlic, and olive oil (reserve herbs for later).

Pulse to combine then blend until creamy (scrape down sides as needed) Blend less time if you like a chunkier texture. If you prefer smooth, blend for longer. Add slowly a tbsp of water at a time to thin if needed.

Add your chopped herbs and pulse again to combine.

Taste and adjust flavor as needed. Add more olive oil for creaminess, lemon for tartness, salt, or water to thin. (it will thicken when chilled)

Enjoy immediately, or you can chill. Drizzle olive oil, a squeeze of lemon and sprinkle herbs on top before serving.

Note: If you want to try this without tahini, just add another 1/2 cup of white beans and a touch more lemon, olive oil, garlic etc

Chickpea/ Tofu Lettuce Cups

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed or 7 oz baked tofu cubes
1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
1/2 cup diced cucumber
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
8 large lettuce leaves (such as romaine or butter lettuce)

This also is DELISH with my peanut sauce ( just omit the oil, mustard and lemon)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chickpea Salad Mixture:

• In a large bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, mash slightly with a fork ( or add baked tofu cubes) diced bell pepper, diced cucumber, diced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley ( this gives such a fresh taste).

• In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

• Pour the dressing over the chickpea or tofu mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed.

• 2. Assemble the Lettuce Wraps:

• Lay out the lettuce leaves on a clean surface.

• Spoon the chickpea/tofu salad mixture evenly onto each lettuce leaf, placing it near the bottom edge.

  3. Wrap and Serve:

• Fold the bottom edge of each lettuce leaf over the chickpea/tofu salad mixture

• Fold in the sides of the lettuce leaf, then roll tightly . You may also leave the lettuce leaf open and make a cup.

• Secure with toothpicks if needed.

• Serve immediately, or refrigerate in sealed container until ready to serve.

Roasted Chickpeas

Crunchy, salty, and oh so yummy! Chickpeas, are inexpensive, readily available in your local supermarket, and packed with fiber, protein, folate and iron.. When roasted, chickpeas become crunchy, almost like a nut. They are great as a snack or sprinkled on salads in place of croutons. The key to this recipe is to keep stirring the chickpeas as they cook, and checking often to make sure they are golden brown, but not too done. You want them crispy!

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 20-30 minutes

• Yield: 2-3 servings

Ingredients

• 1 15 oz. can chickpeas

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil

• kosher salt or sea salt, or garlic salt

• Paprika, cayenne, or curry powder ( optional)

To Prepare

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F

• Toss chickpeas with olive oil and kosher salt.

• Spread out in an even layer on a heavy baking sheet lined with parchment paper

• Roast 20-30 minutes.

• Take out of oven and sprinkle with your spices

• Store at room temperature lightly covered but best when just cooked

Note: For best results, watch the chickpeas carefully. There is a perfect point when the chickpeas become crunchy and golden, almost like nuts. Roast them too long, and they get too hard. Too short, and they taste too soft.

Makes 3-4 servings.