Chef notes
This recipe is a nice spin on the classic dip, incorporating lentils instead of chickpeas. Lentils are a brain-boosting ingredient and, in some studies, have been shown to help clear brain fog and improve cognition.
Swap option: Celery, rich in a nutrient called luteolin that acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, is the perfect dipper for this spread. But feel free to serve with a variety of vegetables and whole-grain crackers.
Ingredients
- 2 cups lentils, cooked and cooled
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly chopped
- 3 tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 3/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- sweet paprika or crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)
- celery sticks, for dipping
Preparation
1.Add lentils, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, oil, cumin, thyme, salt and pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary.
2.For a thinner consistency, add a small bit of water, 1 tablespoon at a time, into the food processor and pulse until the hummus has reached your desired consistency. Do not add more than 3 to 4 tablespoons of water or it will become too thin.
3.Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with an optional drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika or crushed red pepper flakes.
4.Serve with celery sticks on the side. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
