This Sprouted Meyer Lemon Basil Hummus is the perfect summer appetizer with its fresh Meyer lemon and floral basil essence. I sprouted the garbanzo beans, which creates a very digestible and healthy dish. I served this hummus with cucumber, carrots, bread and white wine but the possibilities are endless.
Robby and I have had a few days of jam-packed fun. It all started with our friend’s son Taj’s fourth birthday camping trip at Costanoa in Pescadero, CA. We spent the evening prior to the party in one of the tiny tent bungalows and it was great! Erin and Leif set up their trailer while some of our other friends pitched tents in the campground. Our friend Jason and his family were able to join us, which was really nice because I haven’t seen him since we were teenagers. Robby and Jason didn’t remember each other but they hit it off right away. This tends to happen with people who grew up in the same place with the same mutual friends. It was so nice to see Jason after all these years and to meet his wonderful family.
Taj’s party was your classic kids birthday with a Spiderman cake and a piñata. All the kids had a blast! After the party, Robby and I went home to relax and recover. Beto and clan came to our house the next day to spend the night. We had a mellow evening with a nice dinner out at Palapas Mexican Restaurant.
I served this hummus along with some pita chips at Taj’s birthday party and I received a big thumbs up from the crowd.
This hummus pairs wonderfully with a Prosecco or a Soave.
Sprouted Meyer Lemon Basil Hummus Recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Dried Garbanzo Beans 2 Cups Cooked Garbanzo Beans – soaked – cooked
- 1 Cup Basil - packed - or to taste
- 1/2 Cup Raw Tahini
- 3 Tablespoons Filtered Water
- 1/2 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Meyer Lemon - segments
- 1 Large or 2 Small Garlic Clove
- 1 1/2 Teaspoons Sea Salt
Garnish options
- Meyer Lemon Zest
- Basil Leaves
- Cucumber - small cubes
Instructions
Preparing garbanzo beans
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Soak the beans overnight, by placing them in a large bowl and cover with filtered water.
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They will expand to over double their size so make sure you cover by several inches of water to allow for expansion.
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Soak overnight for at least 12 hours then drain and rinse well.
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I do something different than most. I simply leave them in a covered glass bowl in the refrigerator for 4 - 5 days or until they sprout.
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(Some beans take longer to sprout depending on how old they are.)
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I rinse them once a day but I don't rinse them 2 -3 times a day like everyone else.
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If you would like to do them the classic way, you can follow this recipe.
Cooking the beans - optional
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This part is optional.
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If you want to keep it raw then use the sprouted beans as they are or you can cook them.
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Rinse the beans then put them into a pot and cover with several inches of filtered water.
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Bring to a boil and then reduce to simmer on medium heat for about 40 – 60 minutes or until soft. Depending on the type and freshness, sometimes they may take even longer.
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Make sure and check on them at 30 minutes.
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They should be very fairly tender pressed between your fingers but not too mushy.
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Pinch each bean to remove the skins.
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This will ensure a creamy hummus.
Assemble
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Add all the remaining ingredients to a food processor and puree until smooth.
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Scrape the sides and bottom at least once.
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Scoop into a large bowl and then drizzle some olive oil and garnish with basil, Meyer lemon zest and cucumber.
Health benefits:
Garbanzo beans are super high in protein and fiber, just one cup provides 50% of the Daily Value. Because of the fiber, they are great for your heart, lowering blood cholesterol levels and the risk of heart attack as well as help prevent constipation and digestive disorders. Just one cup provides 84.5% of the daily value of manganese, which is an antioxidant that monitors free radicals in the body. If you are low in energy, the high iron content will help and will transport oxygen from the lungs to all the cells in the body. They also help to balance blood sugar levels while providing steady, slow-burning energy. Garbanzo beans are helpful for weight loss as they keep you full longer.
