Beets are absolutely delicious. They're bright red (among other colors) and taste earthy, rich, and slightly sweet. This versatile veggie can be used in SO many other ways than just plopped on a salad - and I'm here to prove it! Ha! Bring on my lemon beet hummus. It's creamy, bright, and just a touch smokey from spices like paprika and cumin. This may just be my favorite Farm to Fork recipe yet! Get the recipe below:
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups canned and drained chickpeas
1/2 cup roasted and peeled beets
4 cloves of fresh garlic
1/3 cup tahini
1 teaspoon lemon zest
the juice of 1 whole lemon (make sure it's a juicy one, use two if not!)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 - 3/4 cups olive oil, depending on your hummus thickness preference
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
Wash 2 - 3 raw beets thoroughly and wrap individually in tin foil. (No oil or seasoning needed. They should look like little balls.)
Roast for about 2 - 2 1/2 hours. If they feel soft when squeezing with your hands, then they're done!
Let the beets rest on your counter in the foil until they're cool. Then, remove the outer layer of skin.
These beets will store in your fridge for about one to two weeks in an airtight container.
Step 2:
Combine in a food processor or blender until smooth:
1 1/2 cups canned and drained chickpeas
1/2 cup roasted and peeled beets
4 cloves of fresh garlic
1/3 cup tahini
1 teaspoon lemon zest
the juice of 1 whole lemon (make sure it's a juicy one, use two if not!)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 - 3/4 cups olive oil, depending on your hummus thickness preference
Step 3:
One combined, place your hummus in a bowl and drizzle with another healthy pour of olive oil. Serve with fresh veggies or crackers and enjoy! This makes the ultimate afternoon snack your kids will LOVE (trust me, the color will totally impress them) or the most festive holiday appetizer that will WOW your guests! Personally, I love making this on a Sunday, and then taking little spoonfuls to work for lunch. However you eat it, I hope it becomes one of your family favorites!
Health benefits:
Beets are truly a miracle food. They're antiaging, help detoxify the body, and are loaded with vitamin-C and B vitamins - exactly what we should be eating this time of year! Beets also contain a healthy dose of potassium, which helps regulate your body's metabolism. They also help keep your blood pressure in check, fight inflammation, and support healthy digestion and brain health. Bottom line: if you're not eating beets, stop what you're doing, and add them to your diet! You will not regret it!
This hummus is vegan, gluten-free, and absolutely delicious! Enjoy!
