Category: Sauces, Dressings and Spreads

Rich and Creamy Herbed Hummus

herbed-hummus

If you have never made homemade hummus, today is the day to start. There is something so deliciously creamy about freshly made hummus that is not comparable to the store bought stuff. Through trial and error I have found that tahini paste is an essential ingredient to making a smooth, luscious hummus and adding that amazing sesame flavor. Mix in a few fresh herbs like garlic, rosemary, thyme and basil for aroma and added flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the hummus up a bit and adds a nice tanginess.

I have made hummus with an immersion blender and standard food processor and find that both work well to achieve the creaminess. Make sure to take your time blending until it is super creamy. Then go to town dipping away. I love to toast up pita in the oven and slice into triangles for dipping alone with fresh vegetables.

This naturally vegan herbed hummus is a crowd pleaser and makes a large batch perfect for entertaining this holiday season!

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Rich and Creamy Herbed Hummus

10 minutes

10 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

Rich and Creamy Herbed Hummus

Ingredients

  • 2-14 oz cans garbanzo beans, drained
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup tahini paste
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 large basil leaves
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  • Optional dippers: sliced cucumber, toasted pita, baby carrots, celery

Instructions

  1. Combine chickpeas, lemon juice tahini and herbs/seasonings in a food processor. Pulse until crumbly.
  2. Pour in olive oil and blend on low speed until smooth and creamy, 3-4 minutes.
http://freshandfit.org/rich-creamy-herbed-hummus/

Grilled Carrot Fries with Chili Lime Yogurt Dip

grilled carrot fries freshandfit

It is officially July! Only a few days left until fourth of July BBQ’s and fireworks. If you are looking for more ways to cook veggies this summer, these grilled carrot fries with chili lime yogurt dip are fun and full of super healthy goodness. They are an unexpected way of serving carrots and sneaking in some great nutrition at the same time. Plus they look really pretty on a platter or served in mini mason jars. They are also an inconspicuos way to get kids to eat some veggies, just omit the cayenne pepper.

 

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Grilled Carrot Fries with Chili Lime Yogurt Dip

Yield: 4 servings

Grilled Carrot Fries with Chili Lime Yogurt Dip

Ingredients

  • 4 medium carrots, peeled
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 c Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp lime zest
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper powder
  • 1 handful cilantro, chopped
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill to 400. Cut tops off carrots. Slice carrots length wise and then again down the center.
  2. Toss carrot wedges in olive oil, then sprinkle with onion powder and paprika. Toss again.
  3. Set wedges on grill. Grill 5 minutes. Flip and grill 5 more minutes.
  4. For chili lime sauce, combine yogurt, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, cumin and garlic in a small bowl. Add sea salt to taste. Stir well. Refrigerate until serving.
  5. Season wedges with salt and pepper. Garnish with cilantro. Serve with dipping sauce or drizzle sauce over wedges.
http://freshandfit.org/grilled-carrot-fries-with-chili-lime-yogurt-dip/

Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Spread

sundried tomato basil spread

Many sauces and dressings are so easy to make at home, there is no need to buy store bought. If you can make a smoothie you can make today’s recipe. I made the recipe in my Nutri-Bullet in about 5 minutes. This Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Spread is the perfect topping for pizza, veggies, as a brushcetta on toast points, or add a little cream and top over pasta. It is a nice alternative to traditional toppings and can be an unexpected condiment to add to your arsenal. Enjoy!

yields about 1 cup

1 c sun-dried dried tomatoes
1/2 c olive oil
1 tsp minced garlic
6 medium basil leaves

Combine all four ingredients in a food processor or blending gadget.

sun-dried tomato basil spread2

Blend until smooth yet thick. Store in small mason jar or tupperware in refrigerator.

Almond and Rosemary Pesto with Roasted Peppers

Almond, rosemary, and roasted pepper pesto

Making homemade condiments and spreads is a fun way to put your personal touch on dishes. The condiments and spreads are what give a dish that extra pizzaz. This almond and rosemary pesto with roasted peppers is a simple and very versatile topping for pizza, pasta, chicken and really whatever you feel like adding it to. Fresh herbs and sweet roasted peppers make this a go to recipe any time of year.

1 c almonds
1 c olive oil
1/2c grated parmesan
1 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
1/8 c Rosemary leaves
5 Basil leaves
1 large bell pepper or 5-6 mini bell peppers

Cut bell pepper in half lengthwise and remove seeds.

Turn oven to broil at 450. Place peppers on baking sheet, cut side down. Bake until lightly blackened and soft. 7-8 minutes. Larger peppers may require more time.

Roasted pepper, almond and rosemary pesto

Carefully remove from oven and place in ziplock bag for 20 minutes.

Remove skin from peppers.

Combine all ingredients except oil in a food processor and pulse until well combined.

Roasted pepper, almond and rosemary pesto

Drizzle in oil and blend until smooth yet thick.

Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Roasted pepper, almond and rosemary pesto