How Many Calories in Hummus?

When I was younger, hummus was one of those foods that I just knew I didn't like, even though I'd never tasted it. I was in college before I ever gave hummus a chance, and it turns out that I love that way it tastes! Now, hummus and pita bread at a favorite local restaurant has become a "girls' night out" tradition. I know that hummus contains chickpeas and garlic, but other than those two ingredients, it's always been sort of a mystery to me.

Hummus sounds healthy, but is it? I just read that one serving of hummus is considered to be 2 tablespoons. (Oops, I have apparently been eating about 4 servings every girls night!) How many calories are in one serving of hummus?

A) 40 calories
B) 70 calories
C) 90 calories
D) 120 calories

The correct answer is B) 70 calories. Most hummus recipes include chickpeas, garlic, sesame seeds, olive oil and spices. This can be a healthy appetizer choice, if (and this is a big if!) you're able to keep your intake to just one two-tablespoon serving.

Delicious Dipper: Green Pea Hummus Recipe

Hummus and vegetables are my go-to snack when I want something quick and satisfying to eat. But I admit to getting bored of the same foods quickly. If you're like me, then make this recipe your new hummus.

You might be surprised to know sweet green peas are super healthy. They're:
Cancer-protective. Pea phytonutrients, one polyphenol in particular called coumestrol, has been found to prevent against stomach cancer.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory... Thanks to more phytonutrients called saponins. When coupled with other phytonutrients, including phenolic acids, the combined impact has been found to lowered one's risk of type 2 diabetes.

A source of omega-3 and -6 fats in the form of alpha-linolenic acid. This very small, but high-quality fat content, helps boost our intake of fat-soluble nutrients, including beta-carotene and small amounts of vitamin E.

Peas are also an environmentally friendly food. First, peas belong to a category of crops called "nitrogen fixing" crops -- they take nitrogen gas from the air and convert it into more complex and usable forms of nitrogen (reducing the need for soil fertilizer). They also prevent soil erosion -- because of their shallow root system -- and lower the risk of pest problems.

Ingredients:

3 cups frozen green peas
1-2 garlic cloves, chopped in half
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
3 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup sliced fresh parsley or cilantro

Method:
Place thawed peas into a food processor with all the ingredients and blend until smooth. Spoon mixture into a bowl and refrigerate for one hour. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with some parsley just before serving.