Zucchini Hummus

I knew today was going to be a work in the yard kind of day, so I planned for a quick, refreshing lunch and got some zucchinis at the store yesterday. This takes minutes to fix and you'll love it.

Let me point out this Hummus is a no-bean-no-olive oil, wholesome healthy dip, good with any veggies and/or crackers you happen to have on hand. It's nothing fancy and it does the job.

Most recipe call for way too much olive oil if you ask me -not that I count calories, mind you, but I'm pretty sure oil carries quite the punch in that department.

Actually, let's look it up... (be right back)
Here it is from the Calorie Count site:

1 C = 1909 calories!
Total fat = 216.0 g
332 % of Daily percentage

Can you believe that! Olive oil is actually my oil of choice for salad -I love the taste and have been know to dip a piece or two of bread in it occasionally. It has a lot of great properties and there is no need for fat phobia, as it is a component of a healthy diet. I just don't think it is necessary to pour it into every recipe in sight.

All right, let me get off the soap box and post the recipe already! Ha

Zucchini Hummus:

• 3 med Zucchini
• 3/4 -1 C Tahini
• 1/4 C Lemon juice
• 2-4 Garlic cloves
• 1/2 Tb Cumin
• Sea salt
• Cayenne

Peel and chop zucchinis. Place in food processor.
Add the rest of the ingredients in the proportions needed for the desired consistency. For example, don't throw the entire 1 C of Tahini in there at first. Get a few tablespoons' worth, taste it and act accordingly. Same with the rest of the ingredients.

This is a make-up-as-you-go recipe.

Spices are up to you too. Cumin seem to be well fitted for hummus, though you can try others. Paprika comes to mind.

Slice up celery, carrots and jicama. Spread it on Romaine lettuce or other greens. Dip crackers in it. Use is as spread for a veggie sandwich... That's it! Have fun!

Oh, and let me know what you think.  ;b

Almost forgot -if you are unfamiliar with Tahini, it is a spread made from sesame seeds and is high in essential fatty acids (EFAs). Great with just about any veggies, as base for salad dressing (recipe coming), and even on toast to replace butter.

It comes in both "raw" and "toasted," with the later being more common in regular grocery stores, generally in the peanut butter section.

It's pretty high in calories too, though not as much as the oil -all the more reason to omit said oil.
1 C (8oz) = 415 calories.
Total fat = 24 g