Tangy Hummus Dip

Hummus is a Middle Eastern dish that is loaded with healthy nutrients and fiber. Instead of having this with the traditional plain pita bread, try using it as a dip for vegetables. You can pack double the nutrition into your appetizer or snack this way.

Serves seven as an appetizer.

Ingredients

• One 15-ounce can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
• 3 tablespoons tahini (sesame paste)
• 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (divided into two portions)
• 1 teaspoon cumin (dried ground spice)
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (divided into two portions)
• Salt to taste

Instructions

• Place chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, half of the minced garlic, half of the olive oil, and salt into a blender or food processor and blend to a thick paste with a smooth consistency.
• Slowly add cayenne pepper and blend; taste and add more cayenne as desired for a more spicy dip.
• Add additional minced garlic if desired.
• Transfer mixture to a storage container.
• Add remaining olive oil and roll container around to spread olive oil evenly over the surface of the hummus.
• Cover and refrigerate to chill before serving.

Per serving (serves 4): 150 calories; 19 grams of carbohydrates; 5 grams of protein; 6 grams of fat; 3.5 grams of fiber; 146 milligrams of potassium; 186 milligrams of sodium*

*Does not include salt added to taste. Skip the salt if you are on a low-sodium diet.

If you are having trouble eating well because of cancer or its treatment, please see our information Recipes for High-Calorie Eating. If you are having trouble eating well or have questions about your specific nutrition needs, please discuss this with your health care team.