My Favorite Dip: Hummus

So, what do you all think of hummus? Some of you might think it's totally boring, doesn't taste good, etc. I know others of you like it a lot. I, for one, am addicted to the stuff! And I can't say that I've ever found it boring, especially after discovering that so many ingredients can go in to hummus to make it unique and different. The local co-op that Jon and I are involved with always makes the most interesting flavors (currently I love their sun-dried tomato and artichoke hummus), and they've prompted me to come up with a few combinations of my own. Hummus is super easy to make at home, especially if you have a food processor (or a blender), and it's inexpensive and healthful! It also tastes great on whole wheat bread or pitas, brown rice cakes, veggies (carrots, celery, jicama, etc.) and as a spread on sandwiches (in place of mayo or other less-healthy choices).

Here are a few ideas to get you started! But definitely explore and don't be afraid to try new combinations. You never know what you might like! 

Hummus Ideas:

1. Roasted Garlic Hummus: Basic hummus recipe (garbanzo beans, tahini, a bit of extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt & pepper) with roasted garlic added to the mix.This is pretty typical, but you can add as much garlic as you want if you make it at home! Roasted garlic is super easy to make. Here is an online tutorial.

2. Chipotle and Cilantro Hummus: Basic hummus recipe (you could sub black beans for garbanzos, though!) adding one chipotle chile plus a bit of adobo (if you like it spicy, add more to taste) and cilantro. You could top it with cilantro to serve, too.

3. Caprese hummus: Garbanzo beans, Roma tomatoes (fresh chopped, or maybe canned would work), basil, extra virgin olive oil and a bit of goat cheese (because it blends better than mozzarella). You could drizzle balsamic over the top before serving for extra flavor! You could easily substitute cannellini beans for garbanzos, too.

4. Spinach and Artichoke Hummus: Basic hummus recipe with fresh cooked (or jarred) artichoke hearts and steamed (or raw) spinach.

5. Caramelized Onion Hummus: Basic hummus recipe (adjust some of the ingredients to taste, if you like) with added caramelized onions. It's pretty easy to caramelize onions, and SUPER delicious. Here is an online tutorial. This idea is based on a cannellini bean and caramelized onion dip I made that was great! I recommend making dips out of other beans, too. Though, for the sake of this post I'm only touching on hummus.

6. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: Basic hummus recipe adding in jarred roasted red peppers. You can always roast your own red peppers, too, I just think the jarred ones are less expensive. Typically, red bells are one of the most expensive produce items around here!

What are some of your favorite hummus combinations? :)

Carrie

EatingEco Begins

Hi, all!

After months of preparation, and weeks of thought, I finally came up with a blog name I feel is appropriate. EatingEco.

So, what does that mean, exactly? I suppose it depends on your beliefs.

For my husband and I, part of EatingEco means not eating meat. We've been vegetarian for almost a year now, and it's done so much for our health and outlook on life. I could go on and on, but I'll spare you the details (unless you want them, then feel free to contact me!) EatingEco also means buying locally grown produce and other goods (which is easy when you live in San Diego, but can be done anywhere), eating seasonally (checking web resources to see what is in season), buying organic and buying with a conscience (we buy from our local organic food co-op and/or farmer's markets for the most part).

All of that can seem daunting, I know. We spent the better part of a year trying to work out all the kinks. Though now that we have, it seems pretty simple. I hope to help all of you reach that point, too!

Besides food stuff, this blog will likely cover things such as our dogs and dog rescue (we have two rescued miniature dachshunds), our yoga practice, San Diego (where we live), eco friendly products and tips, acupuncture (since I work at a community acupuncture clinic and am fascinated by it), and other holistic living topics.

Anyway, I will be updating with actual recipes, tips, tricks, etc. soon, but I just wanted to say "hello" and that I appreciate and applaud all of you who try to help out the planet as much as you can.

Cheers :)
Carrie