Appetizer
We need to commune as the social creatures we are;
a good appetizer whets the appetite to meet & greet and satiate the soul.
Sunflower & Beet Hummus
Hummus is a legendary compilation of peas, olive oil, sesame paste, cumin & garlic that has been around as long as the ingredients to create it. It almost makes itself, if your desire is to create something divine. Success always has innumerable parents, and Hummus is no exception.
Recipe – With Notes
In Steamer Basket:
¾ cup Beets peeled and thinly sliced
- Steam for 8 to 10 minutes; set aside to cool & save the water.
- Beets are Sweet & Astringent in taste, so they generally benefit the Fiery & Watery Pitta Constitution. Astringent tastes tone the body and the Sweet taste fortifies the constitution.
In Food Processor:
The beets
½ cup sunflower seeds, soaked in water for 2 hours, drained
½ cup sunflower seeds roasted to light brown, not burned
¼ cup tahini
3 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon toasted ground cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon finely grated orange zest
- Combine all ingredients above in the Food Processor with ½ cup of the beet water. Process till smooth. Pulse for a few seconds, open the lid and scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula, and repeat till the texture is even and luxurious. Scrape into nice serving bowl and garnish as you see fit. Traditional choices are extra virgin olive oil, chickpeas and red sumac. With this variation, perhaps toasted sunflower seeds & fresh thyme.
- Sunflower seeds are astringent and less heating than many other types of seeds, so again good for the Pitta constitution.
- Sesame seeds are high in calcium, sweet, pungent, astringent & bitter. They are heating which can be a benefit or a caution. This is why the sunflower seeds are used in conjunction.
- Limes are sour, astringent & bitter. They are cooling which also helps to balance the dish. Along with orange juice there is vitamin C to help nourish the heart, reduce mucous and help alleviate indigestion.
- Orange Zest is even more helpful with digestion than the juice alone.
Hummus is a gift from the Gods. It satiates, heals and nourishes, all the while imparting a rich, rewarding flavor.
Chef Paul Seaman
This recipe inspired by the cookbook, Joy of Balance by Divya Alter.
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