Oil Free Beet Hummus (Vegan, Plant Based, Gluten Free)

All edible plants contain a magic inside of them. An ability to heal, an ability to reconnect out bodies, minds and spirits. An ability to completely transform our lives if we let them. But then some of those plants hide in obscurity. We shun them because we’ve never had the privilege of tasting them right from the vine or we’ve never liked them. There are plants that are now essential parts of my kitchen that I wanted very little to do with before my plant-based journey. The humble chickpea ranks high on that list. Chickpeas are those beige, oddly shaped legumes that sit too long on salad bars. Not too far from the chickpeas on the salad bar sits the can tasting beets. Only the brave place the beets their salad bowls to be topped with too much ranch dressing. Chickpeas were not something I enjoyed and hummus was for hippies and health food stores.

Now chickpeas and its liquid gold brine (aquafaba) are mainstays in my kitchen. Chickpeas wind up in curries, hummus, and even delicious desserts. Beets are grated into salads, juiced, blended. And of course, roasted to be enjoyed in their earthy sweet glory. Plants that I never used to understand became the beginning of an exploration into the plant kingdom.

It’s funny how tastes change as you change. I was desperate for a healthy alternative for the cheese platers and sad pickle plates at holidays. I created this beet hummus to showcase health and the beauty of plants. Although my family wasn’t too keep on my beet hummus my roommates and myself definitely were. This hummus is a celebration of the earthy, sweet beet as well as the creamy chickpea. This hummus happens to be oil free as well.

It was only after I started eating chickpeas and beets did I begin to understand some of the health benefits of these beautiful plants.

• Beets can help reduce blood pressure with regular consumption by dilating blood vessels.

• Beets can also help boost athletic performance by improving how your cells produce energy. (This is typically after consumption of beet juice 2-3 hours before training or competitions)

• Beets also include healthy fiber to feed your gut microbiome and keep you feeling full

• Chickpeas are a great source of plant protein, one cup can provide up to 1/3 of your daily protein needs

• Chickpeas are also a good source of iron and calcium, to aid in promoting good bone health

• Again, chickpeas are a great source of fiber, that can help reduce inflammation and keep your gut microbiome happy.

I’ve dressed up this beet hummus for the holidays with parsley, pumpkin seeds, diced beets, and lemon. I served it with crunchy carrots, cucumbers, and broccoli. However, feel free to keep a big tub of this hummus in the house for crackers, sandwiches, salads and eager spoons.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-beets

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/280244.php

Beet Hummus

Ali Lawrence | 12/6/19

• prep time: 15 minutes
• cook time: n/a
• total time: 15 minutes

Servings: 15-25

Ingredients:

• 2 roasted and peeled beets
• 2 15 oz cans (or 3 cups cooked) chickpeas
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 Cup lemon juice
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 C tahini
• aquafaba (chickpea brine) as needed or water

Instructions:

1. Drain the chickpeas, reserving the liquid
2. Place all of the ingredients except the aquafaba or water into a blender or food processor
3. Blend until smooth, adding extra water or aquafaba as needed to get a smooth consistency.
4. Serve immediately or keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.