Today; is the 7th day of my life changing experience

I have ask God to help me on this journey and he is ever so faithful.  I am learning how valuable it is to take ownership and responsibility for my choices of the foods that I acquire, prepare and eat.  Changing my eating habits and exercising my spiritual faith in my decisions are bringing me closer to the path that God has for my future.

Rom 5:11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God  all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us FRIENDS of GOD

This is a delightful recipe that I have been using for some time.   

Hummus

Garbanzo beans or Chickpeas called by its Spanish name are the basis of a dip or spread called Hummus. Most of the time garlic, and sesame seeds, sesame paste (tahini) or sesame oil is added with variations of roasted red peppers, pine nuts and olive oil.

This delicious dip is high in iron and vitamin C and also has significant amounts of foliate with vitamin B6. The chickpeas make it a good source of protein and dietary fiber.

The sesame seeds are an excellent source of the amino acid complementing the proteins in the chickpeas and are a complete protein when eaten with bread.

One cup of chickpeas contains 286 calories and 5 grams of fat. This is relatively low considering when made into hummus, the calories and fat become much lower per serving. Chickpeas have no saturated fat, and no cholesterol. They aid in improving blood sugar levels and help fight cholesterol.

For people in the Middle East, Hummus is a common part of everyday meals. Dating back to the 13 century this dish may have been eaten by our Lord Jesus Christ.  

Basic Hummus Recipe from a can

“I do not buy can foods if I can help it. So I buy Dried Chickpeas by the 1 pound bag. I usually cook up to 3 or 4 pounds @ a time with no salt or seasoning. Then I freeze them in pint size bags until I need them.”

1 16 oz can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans

1/4 cup liquid from can of chickpeas

3-5 tablespoons lemon juice    “I do not prefer the lemon”

1 1/2 tablespoons tahini

“Can be omitted or use in small amounts”  Tahini is high in calorie and fat, but is a great  source of protein, and calcium. The fat contained in tahini is mainly unsaturated fat, rather than the unhealthier saturated fat.

2 or 3 cloves garlic, crushed   “I roast my garlic and it is not as strong in flavor"

2 tablespoons olive oil   “I do not always use the oil” Olive oil helps the body’s heart remain healthy and also aids in regulating cholesterol levels.

Variations:

Roasted Red Peppers   1 small or ½ of a large pepper
Roasted pine Nuts

Add a sliced red Chile, a dash of cayenne pepper, or Cajun seasoning
Try Lemon Pepper seasoning instead of Salt
1/2 cup fresh spinach
3 oz, crumbled feta (goat) cheese

I have found out that kosher salt has less sodium then sea salt

Directions:

Drain chickpeas and set aside liquid from can. Combine remaining ingredients in blender or food processor. Add 1/4 cup of liquid from chickpeas. “I use my Magic Bullet”
Blend for 3-5 minutes on low until thoroughly mixed and smooth.

Place in serving bowl, and create a shallow well in the center of the hummus.

Add a small amount (1-2 tablespoons) of olive oil in the well. Garnish with parsley (optional)

Serve immediately with fresh, warm or toasted pita bread, or cover and refrigerate

This only takes about 10 minutes to make from the can.

If you do not have time to make this recipe Hummus is available in most grocery stores but not as good as home made but you can always fix it up the way you like it, with peppers, ect.

Calvin and I both really enjoy this. I serve it hot and cold. We even use it as a salad dressing.

1 Cor 6: 19  What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

1 Cor 6: 20  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all and May he bless you beyond measure in all things.  Amen