Hummus with Carrot and Ginger



This is a fun recipe to make for a get together.  It beats the boring old chips and ranch dip I usually end up serving.  It's also a little healthier, too.

 



 

1 carrot
2 tsp olive oil
2 tsp fresh grated ginger*
2 cloves fresh garlic, crushed
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 can chickpeas
1 Tbs tahini**
2 Tbs low fat natural yogurt

For dipping:
extra carrots, sliced
celery stalks
cherry tomatoes

Thinly slice a carrot.  Boil, steam or microwave the carrot until tender.  Drain.  In a frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.  Cook ginger, garlic, cumin,  and coriander for about one minute or until fragrant.  Add cooked carrot and stir to coat evenly.  Remove from heat.  Allow to cool.  Stir in chick peas, tahini, and natural yogurt.

Using a food processor, process this mixture until smooth.  You can add a little water if the mixture becomes too thick.  Season with salt and pepper (to taste).  Serve dip with tomatoes, celery, carrots, or any other veggie that you like to dip.

*Don't substitute ground ginger or that ginger paste nonsense.  This is a recipe that you should definitely use the real thing otherwise the recipe is rather bland.

**Tahini is a Middle Eastern paste made from ground sesame seeds.  You can usually find it in any Middle Eastern or Indian grocery store.  You might even be able to find it at your local grocery store.