Here’s a classic condiment with a minty twist. This lemon mint hummus is creamy and lemony with the most refreshing hint of mint. Adding fresh mint to your food is a great way to help encourage better digestion and more nutrient absorption.
Plus, if you struggle with digesting beans, the mint may help. Also, it’s just another simple way to use all that mint taking over your garden like it owns the place.
Hummus is such a staple condiment in so many kitchens. And like most condiments, if you want to avoid artificial and/or unnecessary ingredients, you have to make them yourself.
Sorry… them’s the facts!
Have you ever noticed how there is literally, absolutely, across-the-board no salad dressing on any grocery shelf that doesn’t contain at least one questionable ingredient?!
Even the healthier ones generally contain an unhealthy oil, preservative, or something else that makes me furrow my brow.
Luckily, hummus, like salad dressing, is so incredibly simple to make.
Food as Medicine
Like so many of the herbs in the mint family, like rosemary, lemon balm, and lavender, mint is also a superstar at digestion. In fact, the most well-known and most common use of peppermint in medicine is in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.
As an aromatic carminative, mint helps to relax the muscles in our digestive tract, easing digestion so that we’re better able to process and absorb the nutrients from the food we eat.
In doing so, mint also helps to prevent or lessen unpleasant side effects of poor digestion such as gas and bloating, indigestion, painful stomach cramping, and so much more.
With the garlic supporting our immune systems, the olive oil acting as an anti-inflammatory antioxidant, and the garbanzo beans serving as an incredible source of fiber, this hummus is a super healthy addition to your day.
For me, a good hummus is heavy on the garlic and high on the acid. (Hehe… not that kind of acid.) The more garlic and lemon juice, the better.
But fresh garlic can easily overpower the mint, so if opting to use fresh garlic, blend in one clove and taste before adding more. Roasted garlic is much subtler and such a nice creamy complement to the lemon and mint flavors.
Lemon Mint Hummus
The mint in this otherwise classic garbanzo bean hummus gives it such a refreshing twist without being overly minty. Plus, fresh herbs just make everything better. The garlic is optional.
Spread this lemon mint hummus over a toasted piece of sourdough, dip your crudités in it, or add it to a big Mediterranean-inspired salad.
INGREDIENTS
Makes 1 heaping cup
- 1 can garbanzo beans
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 heaping tablespoon fresh mint leaves, minced
- 1/2-3/4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1-2 cloves garlic, fresh or roasted
Optional garnish:
- olive oil
- fresh mint
- lemon zest
- sesame seeds
- cracked black pepper
METHOD
- To a food processor, add in all ingredients, starting with 1 clove of garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Process on high speed until all ingredients are incorporated and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- If desired, add more garlic and salt to taste.
- Use a rubber spatula to transfer hummus to a bowl. Garnish as desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
I hope you enjoy this hummus as much as I did. It was a big hit in my family. If you do make it, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave me a comment below or tag me on Instagram or Facebook.
The information given in this article is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns at all, it’s always a good idea to check with your health practitioner before consuming certain herbs & medicinal foods, especially if taking any prescription medications.
