I love hummus simply because it is so darn yummy. I eat it almost daily in one way or an other. It turns out that hummus is much more than a tasty snack. Hummus has been a long time favorite for health enthusiasts and here is why:
 
 

Health Benefits of Hummus

• Hummus is high in fiber that slows digestion and keeps blood sugar levels from rising too quickly.
• Chickpeas contain iron and manganese that keep our energy levels up and our blood healthy. Chickpeas are also a complete protein and a healthy source of carbohydrates.
• Olive oil is a wonderful source of healthy fats. Healthy fats are extremely important because they help us keep our hair, skin, and nails healthy. They are also great for weight loss.
• Tahini is also high in protein and is a great source of calcium.
• Garlic – studies have shown that garlic is extremely important for warding off colds, cancer prevention, heart disease prevention, and fighting infection.

 
Hummus is great as a dip. You can bring it to work, have it as a snack for the kids or bring it to a party and it always fits. It is one of those things everyone loves! Here are some places I use hummus that goes beyond just dip:
 

Where to Use Hummus:

1. In place of mayo – I use hummus to “butter” my bread, as the mayo in my sandwich and on my wraps. You can use hummus anywhere you need a good spread (see below my awesome pin wheel wraps using hummus).
2. Dip for chopped fresh veggies – yes, I know that you know this one, but shake it up and try one of the new hummus recipes I have listed below.
3. Chips and dip – oh man! This is the best. No guilt, all good. See the recipe below.
4. As a salad dressing – I use my garlic hummus recipe as a creamy creaser salad dressing. Just add a couple tbsp to your next chicken salad and bam you have a chicken ceasar salad you can feel great about eating.
5. Sliced chicken breasts or healthy chicken nuggets – use hummus as a dip for your sliced baked chicken breast or healthy chicken nuggets (yes, they are possible, I will blog about them later). You could even make stuffed chicken breasts with spinach and hummus.

Hummus Recipes

 
Here are my 9 favorite hummus recipes, my Party Pleasing Pin-wheels (or sushi wraps) and my Unreal Baked Ezekiel Chips:
 

Amy’s Garlic Hummus

 

 
This is another one of my stand-by snacks!  I have always loved hummus but making your own beats any store-bought.  You can spice this up by adding cayenne pepper.

Ingredients:
1 Can Chickpeas drained and rinsed
1/2 Cup Chickpea Water (from can)
1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tbsp Tamari
3 Garlic Cloves
3 tbsp Tahini (sesame butter)
Splash of Lemon Juice

Puree all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add the Chickpea water slowly and as needed to make the hummus the right consistency.
 
 

Great for children! (and adults alike!) High in protein and fiber.

Ingredients:
1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
1/4 cup warm water
4 tbsp peanut butter
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic
1/4 tbsp sea salt
Preparation: Puree all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. If you find this to thick add some more warm water.
 

Creamy Greek Yogurt Hummus

(lower in fat)

Ingredients:
1 Can Chickpeas drained and rinsed
1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 Garlic Cloves
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tbsp Tahini (sesame butter)
Splash of Lemon Juice

Puree all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
 

Chipotle Hummus

 

 
Ingredients:
1 Can Chickpeas drained and rinsed
1/2 Cup Chickpea Water (from can)
2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Garlic Cloves
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
1 tbsp tahini
1 tbsp canned chipotle chilies, diced
3 tbsp of Lemon Juice

Puree all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add the Chickpea water slowly and as needed to make the hummus the right consistency.
 

Artichoke Hummus

Ingredients:
1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
1 can artichoke hearts
2 tbsp tahini
3 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic
2 tbsp lemon juice

Preparation: Puree all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
 

Sun Dried Tomato Hummus

Ingredients:
1 Can Chickpeas drained and rinsed
2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Garlic Cloves
3 tbsp sun dried tomatoes in oil
2 tbsp parsley
2 tbsp of Lemon Juice

Puree all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
 

Hot and Light Hummus

Ingredients:
3/4 cup fat-free plain greek yogurt
1 can drained and rinsed
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1 Pinch cayenne pepper
2 cloves garlic,
1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Pinch paprika

Puree all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
 

Lime Chipotle Hummus

Ingredients:
1 Can Chickpeas drained and rinsed
2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 Garlic Cloves
2 tbsp tahini
1 tbsp chipotle spice
2 tbsp of lime Juice

Puree all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.

Garnish with a slice of lime on top and some chipotle sprinkled lightly over top.
 

Pin Wheel Veggie Wraps
(or Sushi Wraps)

These are perfect for a quick meal, lunch on the go, healthy snack for the little ones in your family and are amazing to do up a large platter and bring to your next party or event. Everyone will love this guilt-free, healthy appetizer. I could hardly get a picture of these little bad boys… My hubby and I were ready to eat them as soon as they were cut. These are so easy… you have to make them this week.

Ingredients:
Cucumber
Red pepper
Avocado
Homemade Hummus
Ezekiel Wraps
 

 
Directions:

1. On Ezekiel wrap (or 100% Whole Grain wrap), spread hummus (over half the wrap).
2. Cut red and orange peppers into long thin slices, place the peppers on the wrap (on the hummus side) in a single layer laying them length-wise in the same direction.
3. Thinly slice cucumbers and add them length-wise the peppers and hummus. Then roll the wraps length-wise. Add some small pieces of chopped avocado if you choose.
4. Cut off the ends (your snack while cooking) and then cut the rest of the wrap into 1-inch rounds. Place rounds flat on a serving tray. Make sure if you are bringing them to a party you make lots, they are a hit!

Healthy Baked Ezekiel Chips

 

 
Home made Ezekiel chips are quick to make and are the best chips I have ever eaten. This is an original recipe that I came up with by accident and I am so happy that I did. They are crunchy, spicy and delicious.

Ingredients:
 

 
2 Ezekiel wraps (or 100% whole grain wraps)
Franks hot sauce with a lime flavor
Extra virgin olive oil
Pre-heat oven to 450 F

Preparations:

1. Take one of your wraps and place it on a baking sheet or stone. Drizzle with olive oil, then with hot sauce.



2. Take the second wrap and place on top of the oiled/hot sauced wrap. (like a sandwich)
3. Smooth them around spreading the oil and hot sauce evenly to both wraps.
4. Cut the sandwiched wraps into chip sized slices.


 

5. Peel chip slices apart and place sauce side up on your baking sheet.


 

6. Bake for 8 minutes (*be sure to set a timer and keep an eye on these chips. I can not tell you how many times I have burned mine and they are so darn good you will be mad at yourself).
7. Remove from the oven, place on a plate along with your hummus and enjoy your dipping!
8. Share with a friend and experience true, guilt-free chips.

 


I hope you enjoyed my hummus recipes, pin wheel wraps and chips. These are some great recipes that you will be using often so make sure to bookmark them. Please come back after you try them and comment below! I love hearing from you!
 

What is your favorite use for Hummus?

Print Post