Healthy Hummus

Add some protein and fiber to your diet as well as some powerful B vitamins, folate and iron! The perfect, quick, high protein snack that can be used as a dip with veggies, in a wrap, or even in a recipe to add flavor and texture. Tip: You can find this in any grocery store in a small container ( and grab some baby carrots) for a last minute Grab and Go snack!

Ingredients

• 2 (15oz) cans of chickpeas drained ( reserve the liquid)

• 4 Tbsps. of fresh lemon juice

• 1/4 cup sesame tahini ( use a brand that is a not too thick)

• 1-2 cloves of garlic grated

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp cumin

• Dash of cayenne pepper

• 2 tbsp olive oil for drizzling

• c hopped parsley for serving

• Paprika for serving

To Prepare

In a food processor combine the chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, olive oil, and ⅓ cup of the reserved liquid from your chickpeas.

Process for several minutes until smooth and creamy.

Add more liquid and process again if it seems too thick.

Adjust to taste garnish.

May be made a few days ahead for easy prep.

Vegetable Stir-Fry With Zucchini Noodles

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 2-4 tablespoons olive oil or 1/4- 1/2 cup of vegetable broth
• 3 cloves chopped garlic
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 3-4  cups chopped broccoli, cherry tomatoes, green beans, asparagus, snow peas, chopped bok choy, carrots, cauliflower, red pepper, and/or mushrooms (Get creative here and add veggies that you like or have on hand.)
• 3 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
• One small can well-drained water chestnuts (optional)
• 1/4- 1/2 cup Tamari organic low-sodium soy sauce (you can use another brand, but this one is so tasty)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)
• 3 medium to large zucchini (for “noodles”)
• 1 finely sliced green onion and avocado to top for garnish
Note: for gluten free option, use Bragg’s liquid aminos or use a gluten free Tamari sauce . You can also do this with a tomato sauce like a “pasta” dish.

TO PREPARE:

In large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of the olive oil until just shimmering. If you choose not to use oil, add in approx. ¼ cup of vegetable broth.  Add garlic and red onion and cook 3-5 minutes, making sure it doesn’t burn.  

Add mixed veggies and cook over medium heat another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding a little more oil (or broth) if needed and a few splashes of soy sauce. (Make sure to not “burn” or brown the veggies, you want them to stay a little crisp.)

Begin to move and mix the vegetables adding in a few more splashes of broth if needed. Continue cooking another 5 minutes stirring gently. Add in the remaining ginger.  Squeeze the lemon or lime over all ingredients.  Add sea salt and pepper to taste. 
(TIP: Be aware that the soy sauce can be salty, so taste before adding the salt.) 

FOR ZUCCHINI NOODLES:

Using a mandolin slicer with a julienne blade or a Spiralizer for spaghetti-like noodles.  Slice zucchini lengthwise into “Zoodles.” OR use a knife to cut it lengthwise into thin noodle-like strips.  Steam or sauté until tender, about 2-3 minutes. Take care not to overcook as these “noodles” give off a lot of liquid afterward. Drain gently.

These noodles are great as a substitute for pasta, raw in salads or other recipes.  Serve stir-fry over a bed of zucchini noodles and sprinkle with green onions. I even enjoy this cold the next day with added leftover veggies, tofu, tempeh etc.