Skip Store-Bought Hummus

If you have a tendency to always go for store-bought hummus, consider putting aside a little bit of time to make your own. The best thing about homemade hummus is that you’re in total control, and it’s up to you to make a healthy spread that doesn’t contain any artificial flavorings.

Moderation!

Just like any other healthy food on the market, hummus is only healthy when you eat it in moderation. Mindless dipping won’t do you any favors, and you can avoid it by serving smaller portions with healthy veggies such as carrots and cucumbers.

Mix of Ingredients

Most people can’t imagine making hummus without chickpeas, but there are many alternatives that you can try. If chickpeas don’t suit your nutritional needs or you simply don’t like them, try replacing them with black beans, beets, edamame, or even sweet potatoes.

The post 3 Useful Tips for Making the Healthiest Homemade Hummus appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

If you want to get a delicious green hummus, spinach is the perfect ingredient. It can be combined with other healthy add-ins, such as avocado and peas, but you should try the basic recipe first before giving them a go.

Ingredients:

• 400 grams canned chickpeas
• 225 grams spinach
• 50 milliliters lemon juice
• 50 milliliters water
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1½ tablespoon tahini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• fresh mint (optional)

Instructions:

1. Run the chickpeas from the can under running water and let them drain properly. Fresh chickpeas can also be used, but they have to be cooked and drained beforehand.
2. Wash, drain, and chop your spinach. Peel the garlic and chop it into smaller pieces.
3. Place all the ingredients inside a blender and pulse until you get a thick and smooth mixture. Take breaks if needed to scrape the hummus of the blender, and add more water if needed.
4. Pour your hummus inside a jar or other sealed container and store it in your fridge.
5. When serving your hummus, decorate it with fresh mint leaves, and use it as a dip or a spread.

The post Tasty and Healthy Spinach Hummus is Just the Thing You Need This Spring appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Sure, it’s pretty easy to buy hummus at any old grocery store, but making it at home lets you have it fresher, healthier, and more attuned to your own preferences. Convinced? Okay, here’s how to do it.

Ingredients

• Food processor
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 – 3 tablespoons of cold water

Instructions

Process the tahini and lemon juice in your food processor for a minute. Add the olive oil, garlic, and salt. Process for one more minute. Add the chickpeas. Process for one more minute. Add cold water until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and add more salt as desired.

While this is pretty much as simple as a hummus recipe can get, you can always jazz yours up to your taste with seasonings and additions like paprika, cumin, sumac, pepper—whatever your taste buds tell you. Enjoy!

The post How to Make Your Own Hummus appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Here are 3 ideas to get you started experimenting with hummus.

Red Pepper Hummus

To make red pepper hummus, simply empty 2 can of chickpeas into a blender or food processor. Chop up 1-2 red peppers, and add to the chickpeas with salt, pepper and coriander. Blend them all up and serve with carrot sticks or celery.

Hummus Tart

Buy some thin-bake pastry and line a small greased baking tray with it. Put it in the oven for 10-15 minutes while you puree some chickpeas—and your choice of herbs and spices. When the pastry has turned golden brown, fill the pastry with your herby hummus.

Roasted Vegetable Hummus

Simply chop up your choice of fresh vegetables into small chunks and roast them in the oven for 10-13 minutes. A good choice will be something like red onions, peppers, garlic, eggplant, mushroom and zucchini. Puree chickpeas and mix together with salt and pepper.

The post 3 Delicious Hummus Ideas appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Chickpeas Choice

Hummus is incomplete without chickpeas, and it’s extremely important to pick the right ones for your recipe. The flavor of your homemade hummus will be much better if you avoid using canned chickpeas and go for dried ones instead.

Baking Soda

Most people don’t use baking soda while cooking their chickpeas, and this is another common mistake. Adding a bit of baking soda to the water will soften the skins of your beans and ensure your hummus has a rich, soft texture.

Tahini

If you’re replacing tahini with sesame oil in your go-to recipe—it’s time to stop. This dish is incomplete without good tahini, and its taste will depend on the amount and the brand of tahini you’re using to make hummus.

The post Perfect Your Hummus Recipe by Avoiding These Mistakes appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

We love sandwiches that incorporate hummus into them, which is why we want to share this delicious recipe for a cucumber hummus sandwich with you. It’s vegan, super filling, and very healthy. Let’s learn how to make it!

Ingredients

• 1 piece pita bread
• ½ cucumber, sliced
• ⅓ cup hummus
• Paprika

Instructions

Start off by placing the pita bread in a toaster and heating it until it becomes soft and the outside is slightly crip. After you’ve done this, use a knife to open up the bread so that it forms a “pocket.”

Next, slice half of a cucumber and place it on the inside of the pita bread. After this, you’ll want to spread a 1/3  cup of fresh hummus into the pita bread so that it is evenly spread out.

Finally, sprinkle a bit of paprika into the sandwich to taste, and that’s all. Your cucumber hummus sandwich is ready to be enjoyed!

The post This Cucumber Hummus Sandwich is a Perfect Choice for Lunch appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

So, pull out your calendar and get ready to pencil in these important culinary holidays into your calendar for the upcoming month!

National Shrimp Day: May 10th

Are you a shrimp lover? These little crustaceans are one of the world’s most popular seafoods due to their meaty, rich taste of this creature, which can be fried, put into pasta sauces, or sauteed in garlic butter. Whatever your favorite way to enjoy shrimp is, May 10th would be a great day to do it!

National Hummus Day: May 15th

Hummus is one of our favorite healthy snack foods, and it will have its own special day on Friday the 15th. Why not slice up some pita bread and veggies and relax with a bowl of hummus to celebrate?

National Wine Day: May 25th

Whether you like it red or white, still or sparkling, aged or young, wine truly offers options for everyone. The warmer temperatures of late May might invite you to crack open a bottle of a dry white to celebrate this fantastic holiday, but if you like reds, you can choose one of them too!

The post Mark Your Calendar For These May Food Holidays! appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Instructions

1. If you’re using frozen edamame, defrost 1/2 pound of them in the microwave or by boiling them on the stove.
2. Add them to a food processor along with 1/4 cup of tahini paste and water, the zest and juice of one whole lemon, 1 clove of garlic, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon of coriander.
3. Start the food processor and while it runs, slowly drizzle in olive oil. Don’t add more than 2 tablespoons and try to do it as slowly as you can.
4. Keep the food processor going until it’s completely smooth.
5. Once you’ve achieved that consistency, you can serve it right away with another drizzle of olive oil on top, along with some chopped parsley or even some zaatar seasoning.
6. If you want to save the hummus for later, it can be stored for 1-2 days in a airtight container in the fridge.

The post This Edamame Hummus Is So Satisfying appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Fret not! There are still many ways for you to get in protein quickly by following these simple tips and recipes.

Hard Boiled Eggs

Eating an egg is a great source of protein, and if you hard boil them, you don’t have to add any fat or oil to cook them. Boil as many as you want at a time and keep them in your refrigerator, so you can quickly pull them out and peel them whenever you need a quick boost.

Hummus

Hummus is made of chickpeas and tahini, which are both sources of plant-based protein. Spread a couple tablespoons on some rice cakes, much of which only has 30 calories per cake, and you have a low calorie but incredibly high protein snack!

Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are a great source of plant-based protein, as long as you grind them up so they are easier to digest. Sprinkle some on top of a banana, your favorite toast, or really just about anything to transform it into a protein-packed snack.

The post Easy Ways To Get Vegetarian Protein In Fast appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Salads

Prepare your own salads and take them to work. The best thing about this snack is that it never gets old. It can actually be your meal of the day as well. Make sure if it’s a snack that you prepare a small portion with low-calorie vegetables and no dressing.

Hummus And Carrots

Both parts of this mini-meal are super-healthy and nutritious at the same time. Hummus is packed with fiber, while carrots deliver a number of vitamins and minerals. You can even add other vegetables such as celery.

Nuts

All types of nuts make a great snack for work. You should always eat them in moderation since nuts are high-calorie. Choose the types that are without salt. Make a fun mix of all the different types you have at home. To make things more interesting, add some dried fruit.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnxfuY3nshK/

Greek Yogurt And Fresh Fruit

Greek yogurt is a great probiotic that promotes gut health. Fresh fruit goes perfectly with this yogurt and makes the whole snack much sweeter.

The post The Best Healthy Snacks You Can Take To Work appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Skip Store-Bought Hummus

If you have a tendency to always go for store-bought hummus, consider putting aside a little bit of time to make your own. The best thing about homemade hummus is that you’re in total control, and it’s up to you to make a healthy spread that doesn’t contain any artificial flavorings.

Moderation!

Just like any other healthy food on the market, hummus is only healthy when you eat it in moderation. Mindless dipping won’t do you any favors, and you can avoid it by serving smaller portions with healthy veggies such as carrots and cucumbers.

Mix of Ingredients

Most people can’t imagine making hummus without chickpeas, but there are many alternatives that you can try. If chickpeas don’t suit your nutritional needs or you simply don’t like them, try replacing them with black beans, beets, edamame, or even sweet potatoes.

The post 3 Useful Tips for Making the Healthiest Homemade Hummus appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

If you want to get a delicious green hummus, spinach is the perfect ingredient. It can be combined with other healthy add-ins, such as avocado and peas, but you should try the basic recipe first before giving them a go.

Ingredients:

• 400 grams canned chickpeas
• 225 grams spinach
• 50 milliliters lemon juice
• 50 milliliters water
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1½ tablespoon tahini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• fresh mint (optional)

Instructions:

1. Run the chickpeas from the can under running water and let them drain properly. Fresh chickpeas can also be used, but they have to be cooked and drained beforehand.
2. Wash, drain, and chop your spinach. Peel the garlic and chop it into smaller pieces.
3. Place all the ingredients inside a blender and pulse until you get a thick and smooth mixture. Take breaks if needed to scrape the hummus of the blender, and add more water if needed.
4. Pour your hummus inside a jar or other sealed container and store it in your fridge.
5. When serving your hummus, decorate it with fresh mint leaves, and use it as a dip or a spread.

The post Tasty and Healthy Spinach Hummus is Just the Thing You Need This Spring appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Sure, it’s pretty easy to buy hummus at any old grocery store, but making it at home lets you have it fresher, healthier, and more attuned to your own preferences. Convinced? Okay, here’s how to do it.

Ingredients

• Food processor
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 – 3 tablespoons of cold water

Instructions

Process the tahini and lemon juice in your food processor for a minute. Add the olive oil, garlic, and salt. Process for one more minute. Add the chickpeas. Process for one more minute. Add cold water until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and add more salt as desired.

While this is pretty much as simple as a hummus recipe can get, you can always jazz yours up to your taste with seasonings and additions like paprika, cumin, sumac, pepper—whatever your taste buds tell you. Enjoy!

The post How to Make Your Own Hummus appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Here are 3 ideas to get you started experimenting with hummus.

Red Pepper Hummus

To make red pepper hummus, simply empty 2 can of chickpeas into a blender or food processor. Chop up 1-2 red peppers, and add to the chickpeas with salt, pepper and coriander. Blend them all up and serve with carrot sticks or celery.

Hummus Tart

Buy some thin-bake pastry and line a small greased baking tray with it. Put it in the oven for 10-15 minutes while you puree some chickpeas—and your choice of herbs and spices. When the pastry has turned golden brown, fill the pastry with your herby hummus.

Roasted Vegetable Hummus

Simply chop up your choice of fresh vegetables into small chunks and roast them in the oven for 10-13 minutes. A good choice will be something like red onions, peppers, garlic, eggplant, mushroom and zucchini. Puree chickpeas and mix together with salt and pepper.

The post 3 Delicious Hummus Ideas appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Chickpeas Choice

Hummus is incomplete without chickpeas, and it’s extremely important to pick the right ones for your recipe. The flavor of your homemade hummus will be much better if you avoid using canned chickpeas and go for dried ones instead.

Baking Soda

Most people don’t use baking soda while cooking their chickpeas, and this is another common mistake. Adding a bit of baking soda to the water will soften the skins of your beans and ensure your hummus has a rich, soft texture.

Tahini

If you’re replacing tahini with sesame oil in your go-to recipe—it’s time to stop. This dish is incomplete without good tahini, and its taste will depend on the amount and the brand of tahini you’re using to make hummus.

The post Perfect Your Hummus Recipe by Avoiding These Mistakes appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

We love sandwiches that incorporate hummus into them, which is why we want to share this delicious recipe for a cucumber hummus sandwich with you. It’s vegan, super filling, and very healthy. Let’s learn how to make it!

Ingredients

• 1 piece pita bread
• ½ cucumber, sliced
• ⅓ cup hummus
• Paprika

Instructions

Start off by placing the pita bread in a toaster and heating it until it becomes soft and the outside is slightly crip. After you’ve done this, use a knife to open up the bread so that it forms a “pocket.”

Next, slice half of a cucumber and place it on the inside of the pita bread. After this, you’ll want to spread a 1/3  cup of fresh hummus into the pita bread so that it is evenly spread out.

Finally, sprinkle a bit of paprika into the sandwich to taste, and that’s all. Your cucumber hummus sandwich is ready to be enjoyed!

The post This Cucumber Hummus Sandwich is a Perfect Choice for Lunch appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

So, pull out your calendar and get ready to pencil in these important culinary holidays into your calendar for the upcoming month!

National Shrimp Day: May 10th

Are you a shrimp lover? These little crustaceans are one of the world’s most popular seafoods due to their meaty, rich taste of this creature, which can be fried, put into pasta sauces, or sauteed in garlic butter. Whatever your favorite way to enjoy shrimp is, May 10th would be a great day to do it!

National Hummus Day: May 15th

Hummus is one of our favorite healthy snack foods, and it will have its own special day on Friday the 15th. Why not slice up some pita bread and veggies and relax with a bowl of hummus to celebrate?

National Wine Day: May 25th

Whether you like it red or white, still or sparkling, aged or young, wine truly offers options for everyone. The warmer temperatures of late May might invite you to crack open a bottle of a dry white to celebrate this fantastic holiday, but if you like reds, you can choose one of them too!

The post Mark Your Calendar For These May Food Holidays! appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Instructions

1. If you’re using frozen edamame, defrost 1/2 pound of them in the microwave or by boiling them on the stove.
2. Add them to a food processor along with 1/4 cup of tahini paste and water, the zest and juice of one whole lemon, 1 clove of garlic, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon of coriander.
3. Start the food processor and while it runs, slowly drizzle in olive oil. Don’t add more than 2 tablespoons and try to do it as slowly as you can.
4. Keep the food processor going until it’s completely smooth.
5. Once you’ve achieved that consistency, you can serve it right away with another drizzle of olive oil on top, along with some chopped parsley or even some zaatar seasoning.
6. If you want to save the hummus for later, it can be stored for 1-2 days in a airtight container in the fridge.

The post This Edamame Hummus Is So Satisfying appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Fret not! There are still many ways for you to get in protein quickly by following these simple tips and recipes.

Hard Boiled Eggs

Eating an egg is a great source of protein, and if you hard boil them, you don’t have to add any fat or oil to cook them. Boil as many as you want at a time and keep them in your refrigerator, so you can quickly pull them out and peel them whenever you need a quick boost.

Hummus

Hummus is made of chickpeas and tahini, which are both sources of plant-based protein. Spread a couple tablespoons on some rice cakes, much of which only has 30 calories per cake, and you have a low calorie but incredibly high protein snack!

Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are a great source of plant-based protein, as long as you grind them up so they are easier to digest. Sprinkle some on top of a banana, your favorite toast, or really just about anything to transform it into a protein-packed snack.

The post Easy Ways To Get Vegetarian Protein In Fast appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Salads

Prepare your own salads and take them to work. The best thing about this snack is that it never gets old. It can actually be your meal of the day as well. Make sure if it’s a snack that you prepare a small portion with low-calorie vegetables and no dressing.

Hummus And Carrots

Both parts of this mini-meal are super-healthy and nutritious at the same time. Hummus is packed with fiber, while carrots deliver a number of vitamins and minerals. You can even add other vegetables such as celery.

Nuts

All types of nuts make a great snack for work. You should always eat them in moderation since nuts are high-calorie. Choose the types that are without salt. Make a fun mix of all the different types you have at home. To make things more interesting, add some dried fruit.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnxfuY3nshK/

Greek Yogurt And Fresh Fruit

Greek yogurt is a great probiotic that promotes gut health. Fresh fruit goes perfectly with this yogurt and makes the whole snack much sweeter.

The post The Best Healthy Snacks You Can Take To Work appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.