Oh, what a nice three day weekend I had. That one extra day off from work makes me feel like I get so much more accomplished on my “must do” list, PLUS I leisurely slept in and managed to fit runs into each day! Love that!

After a run, I try to replenish my body with nutrients right away, usually with a smoothie. I’m never super hungry after working out, but I know my body needs something. My hubby on the other hand is not a smoothie kind of guy. I know, I don’t get it either. 😉

Yesterday he was putting in way more miles than me (18!), so I wanted to prepare something that he could snack on until he got an appetite. What has plenty of protein to feed the muscles? Hummus! There is about 3 grams of protein per tablespoon. It’s so filling and tasty! Once you learn this hummus basic recipe you can vary your ingredients and make the same flavors you see in the stores; olives, sun dried tomatoes, cilantro.

This takes some mixing power for a smooth texture, so use a food processor or a heavy duty blender. My Ninja blender worked like a pro!

Yield: 1 1/2 cups

Hummus, Basic and Spinach

Print

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 (15 ounce) can of garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium garlic clove, peeled and smashed
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup water, add additional tablespoons as needed for smooth consistency
• Salt to taste
• Drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil
• Dash of paprika

Instructions

Place beans, garlic, lemon juice, tahini, water and pinch of salt in the food processor or blender. Process until smooth. Adding more water as needed for desired consistency.

Place in a bowl and drizzle olive oil and sprinkle with paprika. Serve with chopped vegetables, crackers or a variety of breads.

Notes

After making the basic recipe, I halved it. Served part plain. The the remaining hummus, I added a handful of baby spinach, removing the stems, and blended until it was smooth.

Recipe adapted from here.

What is Tahini? It’s made from sesame seeds, ground into a paste. You can grind your own, but more and more grocery stores are carrying it. Usually in the ethnic or health food sections. I also see it near the peanut and almond butters.

The basic hummus is good just as it is, but go ahead and experiment. Add your favorite flavor creating a signature dip. How about throwing in a mixture of olives, roasted red bell peppers, pesto or chili?

I added spinach, punching up the nutrients a bit. Hummus is filling and a great snack between meals!

Feeling adventurous now that you have the basics down? You might also be interested in this Sun Dried Tomato, Avocado, Spinach Hummus from The Kitchen Chopper!

Looking forward to my afternoon snack….