Did you know that certain foods trigger a sleep-inducing hormonal response that works to calm the nervous system? Introducing, the RecipeZzz series. A collection of recipes that taste delicious, and utilise ingredients that help you sleep well!
Chickpeas: Chickpeas may just be the miracle legume; proven to help keep your appetite in check, they’re also high in vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 plays an important role in helping your body produce serotonin, the feel-good hormone. Below we’ve provided a quick and easy recipe for hummus, great as a late-night snack or a dip, that won’t keep you up all night! Check out the notes at the bottom of the recipe for some tips before diving in. You’ll need a food processor or high powered blender for this recipe.
Ingredients:
- 400g can of chickpeas
- ½ of the aquafaba (the liquid in the can of chickpeas)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- ¼ cup of olive oil
- ½ tsp of cumin
- ½ tsp of sweet paprika
- Juice of half a lemon
- 3 tbsp tahini
- Pinch of sumac, sweet paprika, fresh parsley (for serving)
Method:
1. Combine the lemon juice and the tahini in the food processor for 1 minute, scrape down the sides and then blend for a further 20 seconds. This action ‘whips’ the tahini and will make your hummus super creamy
2. Add the rest of the ingredients (except the aquafaba) to the food processor and blitz stopping once the garlic is finely minced
3. Add the aquafaba one tablespoon at a time and combine until the mixture has reached your desired consistency
4. Sprinkle the fresh parsley, sumac or sweet paprika over the top just before serving
Notes:
- This recipe has been adapted from a version provided by one of our team members (Thanks Kylie!)
- If you don’t have any tahini you can substitute with unsweetened peanut butter
- Using fresh lemon juice rather than the bottled kind will result in a fresher taste
- For a smoother hummus, cook your chickpeas in a medium saucepan with ½ tsp of baking soda. Cover the chickpeas by several inches of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil for about 20 minutes until they’re soft. Drain the chickpeas and run cool water over them for about 30 seconds. This trick was learned from the Cookie + Kate hummus recipe.
There you have it! Tasty and versatile hummus.
Let us know in the comments how you went, or if you have any suggestions for improving the recipe.
If you’re interested in reading more about how food affects your sleep, check out our article 15 foods to help you sleep.
