ROASTED RED PEPPER LENTIL HUMMUS

With the full wrath of summer upon us, I’m trying to eat as many cooling raw veggies as possible. But what to dip them in? Something light, healthy, and full of protein? Something delicious? I have just the ticket. I’m not too crazy for your run of the mill store bought hummus, it tends to be really high in calories for the tiniest bit, and made with things like canola oil. Even the better ones out there have some protein, but not a great amount. So I went about making this recipe that is light and delicious, with no added oil, and a lot more protein! Lentils are a great improvement on chickpeas in my opinion, more nutrient dense and less mealy. Lentils are also packed with folate- 1 cooked cup provides 90% of the required amount- and they are high in protein, potassium, fiber, and iron. So go ahead and cut up some carrots and broccoli, and feel free to snack to your heart’s content!

Roasted Red Pepper Lentil Hummus

Makes about 3 cups

1 cup dry red lentils 3 cups broth or water 1 small red bell pepper 1 small yellow bell pepper 2 red jalapeños 1/3 cup tahini 6 cloves garlic Juice of 2 lemons 1 tsp salt Garnish: Sriracha, a spoonful of pine nuts, and a pinch of paprika

Bring the lentils and water to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until soft. It’s ok to over cook them a bit since they will be blended anyway. I used about 1.5 cups of the cooked lentils for the hummus, so you might have a bit leftover.

Turn the broiler on in the oven and lay all the peppers on a foil lined pan. Broil the peppers until blackened on all sides, turning with tongs every few minutes to get all the sides. Once blackened, removed the peppers and place in a colander until cool enough to touch. Remove the blackened skins, stems and seeds. Add cooked lentils, peppers, and all remaining ingredients to a blender (except garnishes) and blend until smooth. Taste to see if you need to adjust the flavor. Top with a swirl of sriracha, pine nuts, and paprika, and serve with cut veggies and/or crackers.