Un-Beet-able Hummus
Beet and chickpea hummus is one of the easiest things to make! I’ll often spread it on a piece of warm toast for breakfast or toss a scoop into a Buddha Bowl. Yes, I’ll even have it as an afternoon snack, despite Ayurveda not being the biggest fan of snacking in general.
Beets are a root vegetable packed with essential nutrients such as: fiber, folate (vitamin B9), manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. Health benefits include improved blood flow and lowering blood pressure. As a root vegetable, beets are grounding and can help pacify Pitta and Vata Doshas when cooked.
Chickpeas are also packed with nutrients and are a rich, plant-based protein for Vegetarians. They support blood sugar control and are often a good ingredient in the diabetic diet.
Serves: 6
Time: 30 min (20 minutes bake / 10 minutes make)
Kitchen Tools: Blender, Vitamix or Magic Bullet
Ingredients
1 cup of chickpeas soaked is preferred (alternatively you can use a can of chickpeas)
1 small to medium sized beet
Approximately 1/4 cup of organic unrefined olive oil (you may add a little more or less depending on desired consistency)
1 tablespoon of tahini
2-3 cloves of garlic - chopped
Juice from 1/2 a lemon squeezed
A pinch of cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
If you are not using canned beans, soak chickpeas either overnight, or for 30 minutes prior to cooking. Rinse in at least 2 changes of water. Soaking the legumes decreases their drying properties and makes them easier to digest.
Turn the oven on to 400 degrees. Peel the beet and chop it into small pieces. Toss the pieces in a sprinkle of high heat oil such as avocado, safflower and sunflower. Spread it out on a baking sheet and place in the oven for approximately 20 minutes or until the beet softens.
In a blender, add chickpeas, beets, olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, salt, pepper and cumin. Blend until desired consistency. If you like your hummus a smoother texture, add a few tablespoons of water or a little more oil.
Taste and enjoy!
Modify for your Dosha
Vata: The good news? Chickpeas (along with mung dal) tend to be easier for most people to digest. The bad news? Well they can aggravate any Vata imbalances. That said, each body is different, so you may experiment with this recipe and simply notice how you feel. For the Vata folks, consider less chickpeas and more beets in this recipe. When cooking the beets, nix safflower oil and opt for avocado oil. Top with a little ghee or olive oil, with can help with grounding.
Pitta: Overall, this is a fantastic option for Pitta folks. Air on less garlic rather than more.
Kapha: Eat this in moderation, as many of the ingredients are grounding. Use a little less olive oil and substitute with extra tablespoons of water. Toss in an additional pinch of cumin.
Sources:
8 Great Reasons to Include Chickpeas in Your Diet via Healthline