Deccan Chronicle

Delicious Hu

A healthy dip with the base of chickpeas, hummus can be blended with a range of other ingredient­s to create a plate of health and colour

- BINDU GOPAL RAO

ECHICKPEA IS ALSO BENEFICIAL FOR DIABETICS AS IT HELPS CONTROL BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS BY INCREASING INSULIN SECRETION. CHICKPEAS CAN ALSO WORK TOWARDS REDUCING THE RISK OF HEART DISEASES DUE TO THEIR ANTIOXIDAN­T AND LIPIDLOWER­ING PROPERTIES.

very year May 13th is celebrated as Internatio­nal Hummus Day. A popular dish in the Middle East, hummus is believed to have had its origins in Egypt. The dish is popular as a dip and usually pairs well with Pita Bread. However, you can also have hummus by itself, and it makes for a great addition to your protein needs. While the base is always chickpeas, tahini (sesame and oil paste), lemon and oil, it can be blended with ingredient­s as diverse as beetroot, peas, pumpkin and more.

Hummus or chickpea dip is an increasing­ly healthy snacking option nowadays. Made quickly and fuss-free from chickpeas, these dips are heavy and nourishing to have in between meals. Hummus can be made mindfully, and fresh and can be enjoyed with fresh fruits, or crispy vegetables like carrot and radish. It’s a great option to have for people who are working and are mostly on the go — they can have hummus with baked chips.

“Chickpeas help to control hyperpigme­ntation due to their Pitta balancing properties and reduce excess oil from the skin, giving it a better complexion. This is

due to

the Ropan (healing) property, present in chickpeas. The proteins and fibre present in chickpea help manage appetite and improve digestion which ultimately helps manage weight. Chickpea is also beneficial for diabetics as it helps control blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion. Chickpeas can also work towards reducing the risk of heart diseases due to their antioxidan­t and lipid-lowering properties,” says Dr.

Smita Naram, Co-Founder, Ayushakti, an ayurvedic health center.

Remember to soak the chickpeas for at least eight hours before making the dip so it is cooked well. “To increase digestibil­ity, for people with high kapha, I suggest adding pungent, light, digestive spices like cumin and garlic. You can add sesame seeds if you have high vata. Avoid making hummus for dinner as chickpeas require more time to digest properly,” says Naram. Hummus also works as a spread, dressing or topping and is amenable to experiment­ation.

Your imaginatio­n is the limit. Aachari Hummus with Jeera Khakhra

CHICKPEAS H HYPERPIGME PITTA BALAN REDUCE EXCE GIVING IT A B THIS IS DUE T (HEALING) PR CHICKPEAS. T FIBRE PRESEN MANAGE APP DIGESTION W HELPS MANA or Tandoori H Naan, you ca ways. Here ar try.

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