Mushroom Hummus

Mushroom hummusThe recipe for hummus is a simple mixture of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon and salt, but there are so many different ways of making it. Here is my way with a healthy twist. I almost always cook my beans and grains from scratch. Canned ones have unnecessary sodium and preservatives inside and don’t taste as good as fresh ones. So soak your bean overnight if you can. I left all the skin of the chickpeas for extra fibre and chunky texture, but you can choose to peel off the skin if you want smooth hummus. I’ve added only a table spoon of olive oil in the recipe. If you need, add water little by little to loosen the hummus mixture and then drizzle olive oil on top to serve. It is a perfect delicious appetiser with some raw veggies or crackers.

Adding cooked mushrooms and leek adds extra flavour and lightens up the hummus. Of course, nutritionally good, as well. Mushrooms are one of the most powerful natural medicines and play an important role in keeping the immune system strong, helping to fight off viruses and bacteria. They contain powerful phytochemicals that may assist those with autoimmune disorders, and both anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer components. They are a rich source of B vitamins and also a good source of vitamin D, especially when sun dried. Finally, mushrooms are filling but low-calorie and low-fat, great for weight loss. Try to use a variety of mushrooms in your salads, stir-fries, soup, risotto, casserole and even pate. Delicious and good for you!
mushroom hummus1Ingredients

100g dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
300g button mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped leek
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp tahini paste
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp Himalayan salt
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1 tbsp olive oil
a squeeze of lemon

Cook soaked chickpeas in a boiling water for 20-30 minutes until soft. Drain and set aside. Heat coconut oil in a frying pan. Add sliced mushrooms, chopped leek, cumin, paprika, salt and garlic into a pan and cook for 10-15 minutes until cooked. Put cooked chickpeas, tahini paste, olive oil and mushroom mixture into your food processor. Blend until you get a desired texture. Add a bit of water if hummus is too thick. Taste and adjust seasoning. Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle more oil if you like. I saved a bit of cooked mushrooms for garnish. Serve with raw veggies or crackers.