Hummus is delicious as a dip for veggies, spreading on crackers, and using in place of mayo on a lettuce-wrap sandwich. This recipe takes regular old chickpea hummus and powers it up with some exceptional health building ingredients.

Keeping hummus on hand for snacks is a great way to up your raw veggie intake! Pairing this hummus up with raw peppers, tomatoes, carrots, or whatever veggie you fancy makes a perfect and nutrient-rich snack that is easy for on-the-go Health Coaches and busy moms alike!

POWERED UP HUMMUS RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

• 1 c raw pumpkin seeds, soak for 20 minutes and drain
• 1/4 c raw sunflower seeds, soak for 20 minutes and drain
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/2 c water (1/4 c water that you boiled the garlic in)
• 1 1/2 c cooked garbanzo beans (1 can, rinsed and drained)
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 1/2 avocado, peeled
• 1 T fresh ginger root, peeled and grated
• 1 T Tahini
• 3 T olive oil
• 1/2 t paprika
• 1 1/2 t cumin
• 1/2 t sea salt

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl add the pumpkin and sunflower seeds and enough water to cover them. Allow them to soak for about 20 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
2. In a small saucepan bring ½ cup water to a boil. Add in the garlic and boil uncovered for 3 minutes. Remove garlic from the water and set aside. Reserve the water for later.
3. Prepare the lemon, zucchini, avocado, and ginger.
4. Drain and rinse the pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
5. In a food processor or high powered blender, add in the ¼ cup of “garlic water”, combine all the ingredients, and process until smooth.
6. Add additional garlic water if necessary, a little at a time, until you get the desired consistency.
7. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve with veggies, crackers, as a spread, or by the spoonful.

TIPS/SUBSTITUTIONS

• Substitute pumpkin seeds for raw cashews for a little extra creaminess.
• Spice it up with some red pepper flakes!
• Separate the hummus into small containers so you can grab and go for a snack!
• Try adding spinach or basil!

Let’s check out the star ingredients!

PUMPKIN SEEDS

These small but mighty seeds are an excellent source of the bone-building minerals phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese. Pumpkin seeds have properties in their oils that have antimicrobial benefits.

SUNFLOWER SEEDS

Excellent source of Vitamin E.  Vitamin E is an antioxidant that travels throughout the body to neutralize free radicals and specifically protects the cell membranes. Vitamin E also has significant anti-inflammatory properties.

ZUCCHINI

Adds an excellent source of dietary fiber which helps regulate blood sugar. Zucchini also provides vitamins A and C, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties and boost immune function.

AVOCADO

Excellent source of essential omega-3 fatty acids that aids in cardiovascular function.  Avocados help increase your absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and antioxidants by as much as 400%! Avocados are loaded with anti-inflammatory components.

GINGER

This powerful herb contains wonderful anti-inflammatory properties, especially for the joints and the colon.  It helps maintain healthy blood circulation and improves the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients.

Comment below and tell us your favorite way to enjoy hummus!

Hungry for more? Check out this delicious Power Up Quinoa Salad Recipe!