This gut-friendly lemon garlic hummus is light and lemony and made with soaked chickpeas which are easier to digest.
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Hummus - oh hummus. I’ve had a turbulent relationship with hummus over the years. I love it, but it most definitely does not love me back. Or if it does, that love lasts but only a few short hours before feeling its wrath.
Like all legumes, chickpeas tend to be a source of struggle for those suffering with food sensitivity and gut issues. But I find myself time and again coming back to them, especially to chickpeas in an attempt to make them gut friendly and easy on digestion.
Considering the proximity of Romania to Turkey and Greece (which are renowned for hummus) I never had it growing up. Romanians borrowed and made versions of nearly every other food, but that one seems to have slipped through, either due to lack of resources or otherwise.
Regardless, the first time I tried hummus was one of those mini divine experiences. I had no idea what it actually was, I just remember thinking, there was life BH (before hummus) and PH (post hummus). And no, it was never about the stuff you dip into it, as I freely use my fingers to do the work (you know you do it too).
However, once the post-eating bliss wore off, came the pain, discomfort and agony. And if you’re reading this blog, chances are I don’t have to go into the detail of what hummus does to you - you’re all too familiar with the symptoms. But what if I told you there is a way to make chickpeas and hummus easier on digestion? So much so that you will experience no negative symptoms. I set out to test my theory of giving chickpeas and hummus a makeover.
Why Are Chickpeas Hard To Digest?
Chickpeas and most legumes contain phytic acid and certain sugars that are difficult for the body to break down, causing unwanted side effects. They also contain lectins, which inhibit the proper absorption of key nutrients. I found two factors that can make all the difference, and they are soaking and peeling the chickpeas.
Why Should You Peel The Chickpeas?
Yes, it takes a bit more time, but I’ve come to view peeling chickpeas as a rather ritualistic act; meditative even. It forces me to slow down and be present in the moment. And in our mad rushing world, a little slowing down is good, even essential for the soul.
So what I’ve done is taken uncooked chickpeas, soaked them for 12 hours, popped them in my Instant pot (or you can do it on the stovetop), cooked them until soft, tossed them in a bowl of cold water, and peeled them.
Silky Smooth Hummus
Peeling them makes them significantly easier on digestion and creates a smooth, velvety hummus that tastes far better than anything store-bought.
I like using only the basics - soaked and peeled chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, cumin, good extra virgin olive oil, garlic, salt, and water. Everything gets tossed into a food processor, resulting in a creamy mouthwatering hummus. if you’re anything like me, you’re going to be eating quite a bit of it right out of the food processor so get some veggies or a big spoon ready and dig in.
Using Canned Chickpea
Not everyone is going to love cooking and peeling chickpeas from scratch. So if that's you, no sweat. You can follow the same steps but using canned chickpeas. I would recommend rinsing them quite well under warm running water first. If you're determined, you could peel them for a silky-smooth hummus but if you don't want to, no worries, you'll get a little chunkier hummus.
Cooking Chickpeas In The Instant Pot
If you are using an Instant pot, add chickpeas along with 6 cups water. Set the timer to 14 minutes on manual. Once the time is up, turn off the Instant Pot and let it naturally depressurize.
Then, very carefully remove the chickpeas from Instant Pot give them a rinse and add them to a large bowl of cold water. Toss the chickpeas around with your hands to start loosening some of the skins.
Cooking Chickpeas On The Stovetop
If you're cooking the chickpeas on the stovetop, simply add the soaked chickpeas to 8 cups of water and bring to a boil. Lower heat and continue boiling on medium heat for 1.5 hours until chickpeas are soft.
📖 Recipe
Gut Friendly Lemon Garlic Hummus
This hummus is light, lemony, easy on digestion and works perfectly to accompany your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 lb uncooked chickpeas (we will be using 3 cups cooked)
- 5 tablespoon runny tahini
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin plus extra
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil plus extra
- 3 tablespoon lukewarm water
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 small clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, add dry chickpeas and cover with 8 cups water (chickpeas will expand while soaking) and let soak for 12 hours or overnight.
- Once soaked, discard water and rinse chickpeas. Add chickpeas back to the soup pot along with 8 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer for 1.5 hours.
- If using the Instant pot, add chickpeas along with 6 cups water. Set the timer to 14 minutes on manual. Once finished turn off Instant Pot and let it naturally depressurize.
- Very carefully remove the chickpeas from either stovetop or IP, give them a rinse and add them to a large bowl of cold water. Toss the chickpeas around with your hands to start loosening some of the skins.
- *If you’re suffering from food sensitivity, I highly recommend peeling enough chickpeas for 3 cups. If not, you can skip the peeling part.
Next, add 3 cups peeled (or unpeeled) chickpeas, garlic, salt, lemon juice, tahini, and cumin to a food processor and turn it on. Add water and ¼ cup olive oil slowly while the food processor is running. This will give the hummus an extra creamy consistency. - When finished, transfer the hummus to a shallow bowl and drizzle with as much olive oil as you’d like, sprinkle with oregano a little extra cumin, and a sprinkle of salt.
Notes
Let Instant Pot Naturally Depresurize
Thea
Even better with sprouted tahini, I should think.
Daniela Modesto
Oooooo I've actually never had sprouted tahini! I must try it!! Thank you!
madison
if im using a can of garbanzo beans (cooked), do I skip to step 3?
Daniela Modesto
If you're using cooked chickpeas, you can skip right to step 5 and if you want peel the chickpeas. I find you get a much smoother hummus this way. A little tip, if you're using cooked chickpeas, run them under warm water if you're not peeling them or even after they've been peeled. Since you're not using freshly cooked chickpeas this will help smooth it out and incorporate well with the other ingredients. I hope this helps!