sweet potato hummus

the humble sweet potato is an ideal food for dieters to ward of hunger.  its orange flesh is high in carotene's and cholesterol-lowering compounds.

sweet potatoes are richer in nutrients than potatoes and lower on the glycaemic index, and so are of benefit for diabetics and dieters and for regulating blood sugar levels.  They also contain plant sterols and pectin that can help lower 'bad' blood cholesterol.  They are extremely high in beta-carotene as well as being an excellent source of vitamin E, magnesium and selenium.

this sweet potato hummus tastes great and is really easy to make.  this is what you'll need:

ingredients

• 1kg sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• Coarse salt and ground pepper

directions

1. set a steamer basket in a large pot. fill with enough water to come just below basket; bring to a boil. Add potatoes; reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until tender, 10 to 12 minutes. transfer to a food processor.
2. combine chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini, oil, cumin, and garlic in the food processor. puree, about 1 minute; thin with water if necessary. season with salt and pepper and let cool; refrigerate, in an airtight container, up to 1 week.

why not give this a go over the weekend, its great to have in the fridge to snack on with celery, carrot and capsicum sticks.

NK x