Delicious and healthy dip for this Season! Sumac and chipotle roasted beet hummus is a variation of the classic Middle Eastern dip.
For ages, people in the Middle East and Mediterranean have been enjoying dishes flavored with sumac. It’s made from the Middle Eastern sumac plant’s ground-up dried berries.
Yet, sumac is more than simply a flavorful spice; it also has intriguing historical and religious importance. In reality, it has a long history of therapeutic use dating back many centuries. The ancient Egyptians used it to wounds and used it to treat stomach problems, while the ancient Greeks applied it to a wide range of illnesses.
The Ottoman Empire, nevertheless, is the setting for one of the most interesting sumac tales. The Ottomans developed a secret weapon, a combination of gunpowder and sumac, that allowed them to break through the city’s fortifications and take Constantinople in 1453. The sumac was set ablaze, producing a thick cloud of smoke that blinded the defenders and opened the way for the Ottomans to storm the city and seize victory.
Even in modern times, sumac has found a home in many different cuisines, from salads to meat marinades to cocktails. Its sour, acidic taste is reminiscent of lemon or vinegar. Although it’s no longer a well-guarded secret, it’s still a welcome addition to every meal.
This recipe is made from a base of chickpeas, roasted beets, and a blend of spices including sumac and chipotle. The hummus with its vibrant pink color and a smoky and tangy flavor is perfect for dipping vegetables or pita chips.
Health Benefits:
- Rich in fiber: This hummus contains chickpeas, which are an excellent source of fiber. Fiber helps to promote healthy digestion and can help to lower cholesterol levels.
- High in vitamins and minerals: Beets are a good source of several essential vitamins and minerals, including folate, potassium, and vitamin C. These nutrients play important roles in maintaining healthy blood pressure, supporting immune function, and promoting healthy skin.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Sumac, one of the key spices used in this recipe, shows to have anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation can contribute to a range of health problems, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
- May help to lower cholesterol: Chickpeas contain soluble fiber, which shows to help lower cholesterol levels. Eating a diet high in fiber can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
- May help to regulate blood sugar: The fiber and protein in chickpeas can help to regulate blood sugar levels. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with diabetes.
Ingredient Substitute:
- Sumac: If you cannot find sumac, you can substitute it with lemon zest or lemon juice. The tangy and slightly sour flavor of sumac is similar to that of lemon.
- Chipotle powder: If you cannot find chipotle powder, you can substitute it with smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. Smoked paprika will add a smoky flavor to the hummus, while cayenne pepper will add a spicy kick.
- Roasted beets: If you do not have roasted beets, you can use canned beets instead. However, the texture and flavor of canned beets may be slightly different from that of fresh-roasted beets.
Sumac and Chipotle Roasted Beet Hummus
Ingredients
- 2 large cloves of garlic
- 2 1/2 cups cooked garbanzo beans (see "How-To" below)
- 1 large beets roasted and peeled (see "How-To below)
- 1 lemon juice
- 2 tbsp water
- 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp sumac
- ½ – ¾ tsp chipotle powder (depends on how spicy you like it)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3/4 tsp sea salt
- Fresh ground pepper to taste
Instructions
How to cook Garbanzo Beans
- In a large pot, combine the rinsed and drained chickpeas, the salt, and enough water to cover them by 1 ½ – 2 inches.
- There shouldn’t be so much water that they’re rolling in a boil, but enough to allow them to hydrate and expand.
- Bring the pot to a boil, stirring the chickpeas briefly, and then cover tightly with a lid.
- Reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 1 ½ hours for al dente, or 2 hours for a softer texture.
- Test one of the chickpeas for the proper texture, and remove it from the heat.
How to Roast Beets
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Rinse beets, separate different colors, and wrap them with aluminum foil.
- Place on center rack and bake until tender, about 45-60 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and cool. Peel beets and cut them in half lengthwise.
Cooking Directions:
- Add garbanzo beans to the food processor along with beets.
- They should both still be warm (this increases the creaminess of the hummus).
- Place garlic clove in a food processor and pulse ingredients until choppy.
- Add the lemon juice and water and process.
- Slowly add in the olive oil while the processor is running, Or pulse, add, pulse, add, etc.
- Finally add the sumac, chipotle powder, cumin, allspice, paprika, sea salt, and fresh ground pepper.
- Process until smooth.
- Store in separate small containers in the refrigerator to increase shelf-life.
Notes
- Refrigeration: Store the hummus in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. The cool temperature of the refrigerator will prevent spoilage and help slow down the growth of bacteria.
- Consumption time: Consume the hummus within 4-5 days of making it. The longer the hummus is stored, the more it can spoil and develop an off flavor.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the hummus for longer-term storage. With a room at the top for expansion, transfer the hummus to a freezer-safe container. The hummus can store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: To thaw frozen hummus, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. You can also thaw it in the microwave on low power, stirring every 30 seconds until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Separation: Separation is natural in hummus due to the oil content. If you see some separation, stir the hummus well before serving.
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