Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

COOKING WITH CELEBRATE - Roasted Red Pepper Hummus (VIDEO)

Elevate your snacking game with this bariatric-friendly Roasted Red Pepper Hummus. Packed with heart-healthy protein and fiber from the chickpeas, this creamy dip is a flavorful snack that satisfies cravings while keeping you on track. Pair it with crunchy veggie sticks or your favorite whole-grain crackers for a guilt-free treat that's as delicious as it is nutritious.

Ingredients

• 2-15 oz cans chickpeas, drained
• 1/4 c chickpea liquid
• 1-16 oz jar roasted red peppers, drained 
• 1/2 c tahini
• 1/4 c olive oil
• 1/4 c lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Add all ingredients to blender and blend on high for 30 seconds. Add more chickpea liquid or olive oil (personal preference) for smoother consistency.

Nutritional Facts

Chickpeas

• Sometimes called garbanzo beans, chickpeas are a versatile legume that can be easily added to salads, blended into hummus, and even disguised in desserts!  
• Chickpeas are a good source of fiber and contain high amounts minerals like iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.
• Chickpeas are a low-glycemic index food, which means they help food digest slowly and do not cause dramatic spikes in blood sugar. 
• Chickpeas are a wonderful heart-healthy protein source. They are high in fiber, unsaturated fats, and plant sterols. All of these nutrients can help to lower cholesterol levels. 

Sources:

1. Jukanti AK, Gaur PM, Gowda CL, Chibbar RN. Nutritional quality and health benefits of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.): a review. Br J Nutr. 2012;108 Suppl 1:S11-S26. doi:10.1017/S0007114512000797
2. The Nutrition Source. Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans). Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. N.d. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/chickpeas-garbanzo-beans/

Ginger

• Ginger contains compounds called gingerols and shogaols, which reduce inflammation and act as antioxidants.
• The anti-inflammatory effect of ginger is thought to help reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis, migraines, and menstruation.
• Ginger has shown to help relieve nausea, especially morning sickness and nausea that occurs after surgery.
• In addition to adding powerful flavors to your favorite meals, you can find ginger in various teas, juices, and candies.

Sources: 

1. NatMed Pro. Ginger. Updated 11 October 2023. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=961#effectiveness
2. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Ginger. Updated December 2020. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ginger
3. White, Brett. Ginger: An Overview. Am Fam Physician. 2007;75(11):1689-1691. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2007/0601/p1689.html 

Cumin

• Not only is cumin a widely used spice, it has been utilized in traditional medicine for centuries. 
• Cumin contains compounds which has shown to lower blood sugar levels.
• Cumin has shown to fight off bacteria and fungi that can cause infections and food-borne illnesses.

Sources: 

1. NatMed Pro. Cumin. Updated 16 November 2023. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=635
2. Liu Q, Meng X, Li Y, Zhao CN, Tang GY, Li HB. Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Spices. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;18(6):1283. Published 2017 Jun 16. doi:10.3390/ijms18061283
3. Johri RK. Cuminum cyminum and Carum carvi: An update. Pharmacogn Rev. 2011;5(9):63-72. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.79101

Curry Powder

• Curry powder is a combination of herbs and spices that are used in traditional Thai dishes. There are three common types of curry: yellow, red, and green. Each one has unique flavor profiles and health benefits. 
• Yellow
  • Yellow curry’s main ingredient is turmeric. Turmeric creates the curry’s vibrant yellow color. It also contains curcumin, which has been used in a variety of traditional medicines for its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying effects.
  • Make sure to add black pepper to dishes with turmeric, as it can help your body absorb the healthy curcumin.
  • Turmeric isn’t the only superstar spice found in curry. Curry often contains other spices like coriander, bay leaves, and ginger. Along with their own set of health benefits, these three spices have shown to help digestion and reduce GI upset.
• Green and Red
  • Coconut milk, chili peppers, and other spices are combined to make red and green curries. You probably guessed that red curry is made with red peppers, while green curry is made with green peppers.
  • Chili peppers contain a compound called capsaicin, which may support weight loss by increasing metabolic rate and suppressing appetite.

Sources: 

1. NatMed Pro. Capsicum. Updated 23 June 2023. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=945#background
2. National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Updated 18 May 2022. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/WeightLoss-HealthProfessional/#disc
3. Benenden Health. 7 Surprising Health Benefits of Curry Powder. N.d. https://www.benenden.co.uk/be-healthy/nutrition/spice-of-life-7-surprising-health-benefits-of-curry-powder/