Appetizer Series: Hummus with a Cannellini’ Bean Twist & Pomegranate Seeds

Here’s a different take on the delicious hummus made from typical garbanzo beans but with a twist. In this appetizer we decided to try Cannellini beans with their light nutty and earthly flavor and a bite of refreshing surprise with pomegranate seeds.

One of my favorite dips is freshly made hummus. Every time I’d go to my friends house, her mom, who is from Lebanon always offered me fresh hummus. The creamy nutty flavor balanced off just right with lemon juice, garlic and tahini was delight in every bite.

In just three tablespoons you get 11g of protein, which is really quite good compared to 1 large egg giving you about 6g of protein. Now, that isn’t the reason why I decided to try a cannellini bean over a garbanzo bean, it was simply to try a different flavor and boy oh boy it was delicious.

Plus, the pomegranate seeds truly added a refreshing bite on top of my pita. I went a little liberal on how much hummus each person gets in the recipe below but it can certainly stretch for a dinner party if there are other appetizers available.

Serves: 4 (1-pita, 3-4 tablespoons of hummus each) 

Prep Time: 5 minute | Total Time: 10 minutes 

Ingredients:

• 1-15 oz can, cannellini beans, drained, rinsed
• 1/4 cup Tahini
• 1/4 cup Greek Olive Oil
• 2 medium lemon, freshly squeezed
• 1 large garlic clove
• 4 tbsp pomegranate seeds
• salt and pepper to taste
• 4-4-inch round pitas, whole grain, cut into quarters

Directions: 

1. Place all the ingredients into a food processor and pulse until well combined. Consider using a spatula in between pulses to push all the mixture to the middle where the blade is to ensure even mixing.
2. If you would like your hummus to be a little smoother, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or fresh lemon juice if you want another tang.
3. Once well combined, grab your favorite appetizer bowl and pour the hummus into. Then, sprinkle the pomegranate seeds on top or mix in the hummus until evenly distributed.
4. Enjoy with your fresh pita!

Nutrition: 

Calories: 70 Total Fat: 5g Cholesterol: 15mg Sodium: 135mg Total Carbohydrates: 4g Protein: 5gDietary Fiber: 0g Total Sugars: 4g Added Sugars: 5g Calcium: 170mg Potassium: 35mg

Christa Brown

Christa is the creator of Sugar Solution™ for diabetes management and Food Freedom and Flexible Living Academy™ for weight loss. Being one who was able to reverse her pre-diabetes and insulin resistance she utilizes a science based approach with a cognitive therapy and mindful eating approach. She believes that nutrition must be personalized with a holistic view of the person. Learn how to NOT give up the foods you love and yet still get healthier. Work with her here.

www.christabrowndietitian.com