Wellness + Nutrition

Mouth-friendly recipe: beet hummus

Not only will this bright and vibrant-colored hummus bring a smile to your face, but it will also help support healthy teeth and bones! Beets and chickpeas mingle with a dash of cumin and coriander for a slightly sweet hummus that’s sure to become a go-to appetizer or snack. Serve with fresh mouth-friendly veggies like carrots, celery, cucumber and radishes.

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    Beets are rich with folate that helps prevent gum disease.

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    Chickpeas provide plenty of calcium for strong teeth and bones.

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    Fresh garlic can reduce bacteria in your mouth.

Ingredients:

2 small red beets

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 garlic cloves

15 ounces cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed

2 tablespoons tahini

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2-3 tablespoons warm water

½ teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon coriander

Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.

2. Drizzle beets with olive oil. Wrap beets and garlic cloves in foil and place on a baking sheet.

3. Roast beets for 30 to 40 minutes or until tender.

4. After removing pan from oven, let beets sit until cool enough to handle. Peel beet skin under running water, then chop into smaller pieces.

5. Place beets in a blender with garlic, chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, water, cumin and coriander. Blend until smooth or your preferred consistency.

6. Chill hummus in the refrigerator. Garnish with parsley, pine nuts or sesame seeds if desired.

7. Serve as a dip with whole-wheat pita bread or fresh veggies. Enjoy!