Carrot and Cucumber Sticks with Light Hummus Dip Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Carrot and Cucumber Sticks:

• 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
• 1 large cucumber, peeled (if desired) and cut into sticks

For the Light Hummus Dip:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1-2 tablespoons water (as needed for consistency)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• Optional: a pinch of paprika or chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Carrot and Cucumber Sticks:

1. Wash and Peel: Wash the carrots and cucumber thoroughly. Peel them if desired.
2. Cut into Sticks: Cut both the carrots and cucumber into sticks of your preferred size. Aim for uniformity to ensure even dipping.

Prepare the Light Hummus Dip:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt.
2. Blend: Blend until smooth, adding water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more lemon juice, salt, or cumin as desired.
4. Garnish: If using, sprinkle a pinch of paprika or chopped parsley on top of the hummus for garnish.

Assemble and Serve:

1. Arrange: Place the carrot and cucumber sticks on a serving platter.
2. Dip: Transfer the hummus to a small bowl and place it alongside the vegetable sticks.
3. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy this healthy and refreshing snack.

Tips:

• Variations: Add other fresh vegetables like bell pepper strips, celery sticks, or cherry tomatoes for more variety.
• Storage: Store any leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The carrot and cucumber sticks can be stored in water in the refrigerator to keep them crisp.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the hummus if you prefer a bit of heat.

Benefits of This Recipe:

• Low in Calories: This snack is low in calories, making it a great option for weight management.
• High in Fiber: The vegetables and chickpeas provide a good amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and keeps you full.
• Rich in Nutrients: Carrots are high in beta-carotene (vitamin A), while cucumbers provide hydration and vitamin K. Chickpeas offer plant-based protein and other essential nutrients.
• Heart-Healthy: Olive oil and chickpeas in the hummus provide healthy fats beneficial for heart health.

Nutritive Value (Approximate per Serving):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Dietary Fiber: 6g
  • Sugars: 5g
• Vitamins and Minerals:
  • Vitamin A: 200% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Vitamin C: 15% of the DV
  • Vitamin K: 20% of the DV
  • Folate: 10% of the DV
  • Calcium: 4% of the DV
  • Iron: 8% of the DV

Enjoy this nutritious snack as part of a balanced diet!