Hummus and Kale Salad Recipe

Remember when everyone was in love with kale?? Well, honestly I did not jump on the bandwagon because I just didn't like it even though I wanted too. But I didn't like it raw, I didn't like it steamed, or stir-fried or baked.
And then the love fest with kale seemed to die down a bit.

Jim Gaffigan and kale:

Of course, that's when I finally found a kale dish I like, no, love.

One afternoon while walking on Granville Street and spending too much money and time shopping, I realized I was hungry. Hungry to the point of not caring what I ate. I grabbed a salad at a specialty grocery store without really looking.....turned out it was a hummus and kale salad.

Obviously, I didn't expect to like it but thought it would take care of my hunger and then figured I'd grab a coffee to cover the kale aftertaste. Except, I liked the salad. Mind blown. Today, I made my own simple version - chopped kale mixed with my favorite commercially made hummus. It's great on its own or with grilled chicken thrown in. Simple. Delicious.

PS - bonus -  kale is such a sturdy green that this salad will last 2 days in the fridge before it wilts!

Serves four as a side dish.

Ingredients

1 bunch green kale, chopped small
1 cup hummus
1/2 red pepper, chopped
2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix the kale and hummus together.
Add red pepper and onions. Mix.

Super Foods 2012 #2 - Chickpeas and Hummus Recipe

Another superfood of 2012!

I think most people in North America have at least tried a chickpea - hummus, roasted chickpeas, falafels, salads...the nutty and buttery tasting legume is everywhere!

Major chickpea producers include India, Pakistan, Mexico, Turkey, Canada, and Australia. Currently, the United States imports more than 80 percent of its domestic chickpea needs.

Chickpea Facts

• chickpea seeds contain 20% protein, 5% fat and 55% carbohydrate
• chickpeas contains complex carbohydrates and fiber
• they are a good source of vitamin B6, C and zinc
• they have a low glycemic index value (42 – canned)
• they are very versatile as they can be stored dry and reconstituted later with liquid; canned in liquid; blended into a spread (as with hummus); roasted and eaten as a snack; or ground into flour.
• According to the Vancouver Sun one cup of chickpeas provide 270 calories; 71 per cent of an adult’s daily needs for folate; 26 per cent for iron; 20 per cent of magnesium; 17 per cent zinc; 28 per cent phosphorus and 14 per cent potassium.

Classic Hummus
Makes 1-1/2 cups
Ingredients
1 can (540ml) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/4c tahini
2 lemons juiced
1/2 lime juiced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt (optional)


What to do
1. Add everything into a food processor or blender.
2. Puree until very smooth.
Enjoy.


Click here for Super food #1 - Hemp hearts!

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