I’m sure you’re not entirely surprised to learn that hummus is one of my favourite snacks. I mean, isn’t it a staple item in almost every nutritionist's fridge ? From time to time, I will buy it (my favourite brand is Sunflower Kitchen!) but when I have the time, I love to make my own because it’s super easy and there’s so many fun flavours you can make up like my Sweet Potato Hummus!

One minor downfall of hummus is that it can be problematic for some people due to one of the main ingredients in it – chickpeas!

Don’t get me wrong, chickpeas are a wonderful food. They are loaded with gut-loving fibre to promote optimal digestion (and happy poops !) and are also a great source of protein. But for many, they can be difficult to digest and contribute to gas and bloating . In that case, I would recommend to soak or sprout your chickpeas in advance to remove the oligosaccharides and anti-nutrients that can make them difficult to digest. Sprouting foods also help to increase the bioavailability of nutrients!

If chickpeas still cause you digestive troubles even after soaking or sprouting them, don’t worry – you can still enjoy your beloved hummus by making Cauliflower Hummus!

This recipe might be familiar to you if you participated in the Joyous Kitchen Challenge last January but it was such a hit, I wanted to share it with you all on the blog! By the way, for those that are interested in joining us for the Joyous Kitchen Challenge again, we will be running the second round of it starting on January 7th, 2019! It’s completely free and will contain two new recipes, along with all of the other incredibly informative information that will help you to completely makeover your fridge, freezer and kitchen cupboards to help promote positive health habits in the New Year! You can join here.

Instead of using chickpeas, you just have to use cauliflower which works in the same way as regular hummus by helping to thicken it up. The nutrient profile will be slightly different since cauliflower isn’t as rich in protein, but it comes with so many other amazing health benefits!

• Contains glucosinolates which are sulfur-containing compounds that are said to possibly lower the risk of cancer
• Glucosinates also help to promote detoxification by stimulating phase ll liver enzymes that block free radical damage as well
• Is a cruciferous vegetable which helps to support digestion and detoxification
• Helps to balance hormones by eliminating excess estrogen from the body
• Great source of vitamin K. Since vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, it’s important to enjoy it with a fat (perfect in this case, where the cauliflower will be blended up with healthy fats like olive oil and tahini!)
• Also a great source of vitamin C which we know helps to boost the immune system by fighting off harmful bacteria, infections and common colds (a one-cup serving of cauliflower contains about 77% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C!)
• Fights inflammation due to its rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

You could serve up this Cauliflower Hummus with your favourite crackers, flatbread or veggie sticks. It’s such a great crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack and I can guarantee that no one will even know it contains cauliflower. Even Vienna loves it!

•  Sweet Pea Hemp Dip with Mint
•  Sweet Potato Hummus
•  Creamy Cashew Dip
•  Beet Cashew Dip

Happy hummus-ing!

Joy xo