For A Healthy Snack, Try Homemade Hummus

Culinary School is a lot of work, so you’ll need to make sure you are taking care of yourself to stay on top of your studies. As a culinary student, you probably already know that different kinds of foods have different effects on your body. You also have probably come to realize, as all students do, that studying is difficult on an empty stomach. Study snacks are great for supplying you with the energy you need to stay focused on the task at hand as well as have the energy to make it through an entire study session.

However, for the maximum benefits, you’ll want to choose healthy snacks that won’t cause your blood sugar to spike, making you even more tired than before you ate, or that will pack on unwanted weight because they are loaded with empty calories. A great snack to chow on while taking a culinary course is fresh veggies dipped in homemade hummus!

Why hummus?
This Middle Eastern dip is made from garbanzo beans, which are also known as chickpeas. These legumes are a heart-healthy addition to any diet and are loaded with nutrients that make them an excellent food for any health-conscious student. As the main ingredient of hummus, chickpeas provide:

• Fiber
• Protein
• Manganese
• Iron

Students can make their own hummus!
Skip the pre-made hummus from the grocery store – which can be loaded with unnecessary sodium or other preservatives – and make your own right at home! Not only will it be healthier, but you can tailor the recipe to suit your taste preferences. After you’ve mastered your plain hummus recipe, use your new knowledge of flavors and experiment with different ingredients to give this nutritious snack some flair!

1 can (15 ounces) of chickpeas
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons tahini
2 tablespoons water
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1 – 2 cloves of garlic, depending on taste
2 tablespoons water or liquid from chickpea can

Place the ingredients in a food processor or blender and power on until pureed. Stop the blender and scrape the sides down to make sure it mixes evenly. Transfer into a container to keep in refrigerator for snacking on throughout the week. Avoid the extra carbs from pita chips, and instead dip veggies such as sweet peppers, carrots, sweet peas, broccoli or cucumber in your hummus for even more nutritional benefits! In addition to being great for dipping, hummus also makes a great sandwich spread!

If you like this post, please be sure to check out the following!

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