How to Make Beetroot Hummus: A Delicious and Nutritious Twist

If you're a fan of hummus and looking to add some vibrant color and extra nutrients to your dip, look no further than beetroot hummus. This delicious twist on the classic recipe not only delights the taste buds but also offers numerous health benefits. With its earthy flavor and stunning pink hue, beetroot hummus is a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack that is easy to prepare at home. In this article, we'll guide you through the step-by-step process of making beetroot hummus from scratch.

Ingredients:

To make beetroot hummus, you'll need the following ingredients:

·      2 medium-sized beetroots, cooked and peeled

·      1 can (15 oz) of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

·      2-3 cloves of garlic, peeled

·      3 tablespoons of tahini

·      3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice

·      2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil

·      ½ teaspoon of ground cumin

·      Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings: chopped fresh parsley, sesame seeds, or extra drizzle of olive oil

Instructions:

Prepare the Beetroots:

Start by cooking the beetroots until they are tender. You can do this by boiling them for about 30-40 minutes or roasting them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about an hour. The beetroots are ready when they can be easily pierced with a fork. Once cooked, let the beetroots cool down before peeling them. Wear gloves to avoid staining your hands with the beet juice.

Blend the Ingredients:

In a food processor or blender, combine the cooked and peeled beetroots, chickpeas, garlic cloves, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little water or extra lemon juice to achieve the desired consistency.

Adjust the Seasonings:

Taste the beetroot hummus and adjust the seasonings to your preference. You can add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.

Serve and Garnish:

Transfer the beetroot hummus to a serving bowl or airtight container. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor and visual appeal.

Enjoy:

Beetroot hummus can be enjoyed right away or refrigerated for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve with pita bread, tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, or use it as a spread in sandwiches or wraps.

Benefits and Variations:

Beetroot hummus not only adds a vibrant touch to your table but also provides a range of health benefits. Beetroots are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, including folate, manganese, and potassium. They are known for their potential to support heart health, boost exercise performance, and improve digestion.

You can experiment with the basic beetroot hummus recipe to create your own variations. Here are a few ideas:

1.    Spicy Beetroot Hummus: Add a kick to your hummus by incorporating some chili flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a sprinkle of paprika.

2.    Herbed Beetroot Hummus: Mix in some fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill to infuse your hummus with a burst of freshness.

3.    Creamy Beetroot Avocado Hummus: Blend in a ripe avocado to create a creamier and richer texture.