Healthy Summer Dips

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

29 Jul 2008 04:42 PM

My 4-year-old loves hummus! I feel like screaming it from the rooftops. (But, I'll settle for announcing it in cyberspace.) Like most kids she doesn't exactly embrace new foods, but the "smooshy" substance that sat on my plate during a rare lunch out last month intrigued her and she asked to try it. I obliged and to my surprise (make that utter shock) she announced that it was "YUMMY!"

After that meal I went out and bought several containers of hummus (infused with different flavors including artichoke, lemon and smoked peppers). However, at $3 for just a few ounces I knew I couldn't afford to support my daughter's new food kick for long. Hence, the following recipe. I started making my own hummus at home. It was actually a lot easier than I had anticipated. The popular Middle Eastern dip that is used as an appetizer and served with pita bread is now a staple in our house. We eat it with baby carrots, sliced cucumbers, even chips.

If you are looking for a quick and easy dip to make at home I highly recommend the following recipe. I have also included another dip recipe that my family and friends love. It's not as healthy as the hummus, but it still has some nutritional value.

HUMMUS

Ingredients:

2 15oz. cans garbanzo beans, drained

1 tablespoon tahini

2 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon water

2 tablespoon flat leaf parsley

1 scallion, chopped

1 teaspoon salt

2 cloves garlic, halved

3 tablespoon olive oil divided

1 pinch paprika

Directions:

Place everything but 1 tablespoon of olive oil and paprika in food processor.

Blend until smooth. If mixture is too thick, add a little more water.

Transfer mixture to a serving bowl.

Drizzle remaining olive oil on top and sprinkle with paprika.

Serve with pita bread, pita chips and fresh vegetables.

GREEN ONION AND FETA CHEESE DIP

Ingredients:

12 green onions, green part only, grilled and chopped

Additional thinly sliced green onion for garnish

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoon fresh lemon zest

Salt and freshly ground pepper

4 cloves of garlic

1 pound feta cheese, crumbled

Directions:

Place grilled green onions, oil, lemon juice and zest in food processor and process until smooth.

Add the feta cheese, garlic and process until combined and smooth.

Scrape the mixture into a bowl and garnish with sliced green onions.

Serve with pita chips.

Related Articles:

More Delicious Party Dips: Fiesta Dip and Cheesy Gorgonzola Dip

Creating the Perfect Dip Table

Two Hearty Crab Dips

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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