Hormone-Boosting Vegan Hummus

During the holiday season, I love adding a festive twist to classic recipes. This Vegan Holiday Hummus is a show-stopping appetizer that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Vibrant, creamy, and packed with seasonal flavors, it’s the perfect dish to share at gatherings—or to snack on while wrapping gifts! Plus, it’s loaded with hormone-boosting ingredients to keep you feeling balanced and energized during the busiest time of year.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 clove garlic
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ¼ cup roasted beets (for color and sweetness)
• Salt to taste
• Water, as needed (for desired consistency)

Optional Holiday Garnishes:

• Pomegranate seeds
• Chopped parsley
• Toasted pistachios or walnuts
• A drizzle of olive oil

Instructions:

1. Blend the hummus: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, roasted beets, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth, adding water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
2. Taste and adjust: Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning. Add more lemon juice for brightness, a touch more salt, or an extra beet if you want a deeper pink hue.
3. Serve and garnish: Spoon the hummus into a serving bowl and use the back of a spoon to create swirls. Garnish with pomegranate seeds, parsley, toasted nuts, and a drizzle of olive oil for a festive, colorful presentation.
4. Pair with dippers: Serve with fresh veggies like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, and bell peppers, or whole-grain crackers and warm pita bread.

Why I Love It:

This Vegan Holiday Hummus isn’t just beautiful and festive—it’s packed with health-promoting nutrients that support hormonal health and help protect against cancer.

Health Benefits:

• Chickpeas: Rich in fiber and phytoestrogens, chickpeas help balance estrogen levels and support digestive health, which is critical for hormone regulation.
• Beets: Contain betalains, potent antioxidants that support liver detoxification, a key process for hormonal balance and reducing cancer risk.
• Tahini: Made from sesame seeds, tahini is high in lignans, compounds that may lower the risk of hormone-related cancers like breast cancer.
• Pomegranate Seeds: Bursting with antioxidants like punicalagins, which have been shown to have anticancer properties, especially in reducing inflammation and protecting DNA.

This hummus isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s incredibly versatile and nutritious too. The roasted beets add a touch of natural sweetness and a stunning holiday color, while the pomegranate seeds provide a burst of tart freshness that balances the creaminess.

Whether you’re hosting or contributing to a potluck, this dish is guaranteed to bring a little extra cheer to the table. Plus, it’s a conversation starter! Everyone will want to know the secret to that gorgeous color.

Let’s embrace the holidays, one healthy, flavorful bite at a time.