I love hummus. There are so many different ways to incorporate this delicious spread into your everyday meals and snacks.  Not only does hummus add great flavor- but it packs a nutritional punch, as well. 

Hummus contains protein, complex carbohydrates and unsaturated fats, which are all essential to fuel us throughout our day.   Moreover, hummus is often made with olive oil, which contains oleic acid (a fat that helps fight the gene responsible for 20-30% of breast cancers, according to Northwestern University researchers).

Hummus is high in Iron and Vitamin C with significant amounts of vitamin B6 and Folate.  Not to mention, the chickpeas make it a great source of protein and dietary fiber.   Hummus is quite useful in vegetarian and vegan diets because when eaten in combination with grains (such as bread), it serves as a complete protein.

Although hummus is a great, healthy food, be sure to check the nutrition labels on commercial products, as they may contain added sugar, sodium, or fat.  My favorite healthyhummus brands are Tribe and Abraham’s …pick them up in your local food store if you don’t have time to prepare your homemade version.

I encourage all of you experiment with the ideas below and discover the great taste of hummus.  Here are a few suggestions sent to me from my friends over at Tribe hummus (thanks for the amazing coupons):

• Serve with pita wedges (toasted or fresh), tortilla chips, carrot sticks, sesame crackers, or veggies
• Open a baked sweet potato and top with humus instead of sour cream
• Spread hummus on a warm, fresh bagel instead of cream cheese
• Use on any sandwich instead of mayonnaise
• Add to a burger with sliced tomato and red onion
• Spread over chicken, turkey, or grilled fish
• Make a traditional Mediterranean hummus meza plate: Spread hummus around a shallow round plate, sprinkle with paprika, drizzle with olive oil in the center, serve with olives, red onion slices, tomato slices, and warm pita bread
• Fettuccine Alfredo with Hummus: Cook fettuccine al Dente and drain. Empty one can of roasted garlic hummus in a saucepan.  Add 4 Tbsp. water and heat slowly.  Toss with fettuccine, sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve.
• Tuna n’ Hummus Sandwich: Mix one can of drained tuna with 2 Tbsp. hummus. Spread on whole wheat bread and add lettuce, tomato and pickles.
• Carrot Hummus Pita Pizza: Spread hummus on one side of a pita loaf. Top with shredded carrot, and bake on a pan in a 400 degree oven until pita is crispy and hummus starts to brown.
• Hummus Caesar Salad: Add 2 Tbsp. lemon juice and 1Tsp. olive oil to 4 ounces of hummus.  Whip until smooth.  Toss with cut romaine lettuce and add toasted pita croutons (toast a pita loaf and cut into 1/4 inch squares).
• Hummus Snacker: Use pita bread, fresh veggie sticks and hummus for a school or work snack
• Smoked Salmon and Dill Pizza: Spread hummus on top side of a pita pocket.  Cover with diced red onion, dill and finely chopped smoked salmon and bake at 400 degrees until pita is crispy and hummus starts to brown.

Enjoy!

What is your favorite way to incorporate hummus into your meals and snacks?  Do you have a favorite hummus brand or do you prefer homemade?