Hi Friends!
We've got snack food today. Because everyday is a snacking challenge for a weight watcher like myself, and probably you too! So when I can make amazing snacks like these raw veggies and green pea and mint hummus happen, I'm winning. And with just a few ingredients, a blender and about 5 minutes, you'll be winning on the snack front too.
So, we're 12 recipes into this blog and I'm about 4 weeks into the weight watchers journey. I gotta say, it's been a challenge to count the points and record everything I eat. I often forget. But I'm still losingweight. And I can tell you why. The thing that has happened is that I have drastically changed the way I eat and the consequences of this are staggering. I have more energy and I feel lighter. My posture has even changed. I stand taller and I have never felt more confident. Not too shabby for just starting to eat differently, huh! This recipe for hummus without tahini is a great option for you, if you'd like to skip that ingredient altogether. And this dip can be served with homemade tortilla chips or homemade flatbread crackers.
In the past, mindless and emotional eating was totally my jam. 'Cause nothing says I love you like a big 'ol piece of cheesecake, right?! And I would often not pay attention when I ate something like chips or a cookie cookies, and I would look down for another handful or another bite and realise that I had finished eating and didn't even know it! Say what? Talk about not being in control of what I eat. Yikes!
So, I'm working on a few super exciting projects that are gonna help us take control of our daily eating habits and rituals and see if we can't bring a bit of mindfulness back to eating. In the mean time let's talk about dips and spreads and the beauty of a raw veggie plate with a bright green bowl of hummus that tastes like spring. This is also perfect for a party platter. Pot luck, anyone?
Literally, all you need to do is get all the ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth and voila, pea and mint hummus. Just a couple of quick tips, though. I used to use a food processor for the hummus, but have since found I can get it smoother and creamier in a blender. And the other is to pop the chickpeas out of their little skins. It taks a few minutes onto the prep time, but the end creaminess is worth the extra 3 minutes. For sure!
Green Pea and Mint Hummus
Ingredients
- 1 cup green peas, fresh or frozen *see notes
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 2 cloves garlic
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A handful of mint, roughly chopped
Instructions
- For a smoother texture and better flavor, start by combining the green peas, chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and mint in a blender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This specific order of ingredients allows them to blend more uniformly before adding the oil.
- Turn the blender on and slowly drizzle in the olive oil while it runs, allowing the mixture to emulsify and become creamy. Drizzling the oil slowly helps create a smoother, more stable emulsion.
- If the hummus is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Gradually adding water ensures that the hummus doesn’t over-thin.
- For contrast in texture and to enhance the overall taste, serve the hummus with a variety of fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers. The crunchiness of the fresh veggies complements the creamy dip perfectly.
Notes
- Ensure peas are thawed before use for smoother blending.
- Stir the tahini well in its container as it can separate.
- For a milder garlic flavor, use roasted garlic instead.
Elizabeth says
This is seriously so stunning! The colors are just perfect!
Debs says
Thanks so much Elizabeth!
Aimee Mars says
This is absolutely gorgeous! I have done weight watchers before and loved the program. Most recently, I've been eating clean and counting calories, which I need to get back in control of once all our company leaves in a week. I can't wait to see all the healthy recipes you end up posting.
Debs says
Thanks so much Aimee! There's gonna be lots of healthy goodies cominacha!
Angela says
This looks so good Debs - well done on the weightloss and general feelings of wellbeing. I am dieting too, but mainly just to be more mindful of what I'm eating as well as doing the 5:2 diet I am trying to look after myself more with what I eat as well.
This dip looks really great for a mid-afternoon slump.
Debs says
Thanks Angela! I've not heard of the 5:2 diet. I'll have to look into it. And this dip is perfect for the 3 o'clock dip in energy!