Hummus with Vegetable Sticks
A light, creamy hummus paired with crisp vegetable sticks. This healthy, protein-packed snack is perfect for pregnancy, providing essential nutrients in a low-calorie, satisfying portion of just 75 calories.
For 4 servings
Soak the chickpeas.
Rinse the dried chickpeas and soak them in plenty of water overnight, or for at least 8 hours. They will double in size.
TIPIf you're short on time, you can do a quick soak by covering the chickpeas with water, bringing to a boil for 5 minutes, then letting them stand for 1 hour.Cook the chickpeas until tender.
Drain the soaked chickpeas and transfer them to a pressure cooker. Add 1 cup of fresh water and a tiny pinch of baking soda. Cook for 4-5 whistles, or until the chickpeas are very soft and mash easily.
TIPThe baking soda helps soften the chickpea skins, which is key to a super creamy hummus.Blend the hummus.
- Drain the cooked chickpeas, reserving a little of the cooking liquid.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin powder, and salt.
- Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of cold water or the reserved cooking liquid to reach your desired consistency.
Prepare the vegetable sticks.
While the hummus is blending, wash and peel the carrot. Wash the cucumber. Cut both into finger-length sticks, perfect for dipping.
Serve the hummus and vegetables.
Divide the hummus into 4 small bowls. Arrange the carrot and cucumber sticks alongside for dipping. Serve immediately as a fresh, healthy snack.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For an even smoother hummus, you can take the extra step of peeling the cooked chickpeas before blending.
- 2Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. You might prefer a little more lemon juice for tanginess or a bit more salt.
- 3Store leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The vegetable sticks are best prepared fresh.
- 4Feel free to use other vegetables for dipping, like bell pepper strips or celery sticks.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, hummus is an excellent snack for pregnancy. It's rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and folate from chickpeas, which is crucial for fetal development. This low-calorie version is especially good for healthy weight management.
