Entertaining for the holidays? Chances are you’ll be getting your share of calories over the next week or so. Be sure to balance the decadence of the season with foods that are light and healthy. One of the easiest ways to incorporate a healthy dish is with a bright and colorful hummus, vegetable, and toasted pita platter.

Hummus is a creamy Middle Eastern dip chock full of nutrients, protein, and fiber. It is traditionally served with flatbread, such as pita, but is also delicious with any variety of fresh, crisp, or roasted vegetables. Choose from bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, jicama, broccoli, asparagus, celery, snap peas, cucumbers, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, radishes, green beans, and zucchini.

Hummus Recipe
(Serves 8 – 10)

15 oz. can chickpeas, drained
1⁄4 c. tahini
1 clove of garlic
1⁄2 t. cumin
1⁄2 t. salt
3 T. lemon juice
1⁄4 c. olive oil
1⁄4 c. water
Dash of paprika for garnish (optional)

Combine the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, cumin, salt, and lemon juice in a food processor and process until smooth.
With the blade still running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil.
Add water as needed to lighten, thin, and smooth to desired consistency.
Garnish with paprika and an extra drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

This appetizer is always a hit and is very easy to put together. Plus, you can toss the leftovers together for a delicious salad the next day!

More Recipes:
Mediterranean Salmon
Sweet Kabocha Squash with Onion

Technorati Tags: Glam Media, Glam, GlamSpirit, Wellness, Health, GlamNetwork, Hummus, Vegetables, Recipe, Healthy Recipes

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