This is a super simple, delicious recipe that is fast and easy. A hit at gatherings both for the taste and for the beautiful velvet purple color!

Ingredients:

1 medium beet, steamed or boiled, chopped into pieces
1 can chickpeas
Juice from 1/2 a lemon 
Spices: salt, pepper, pinch of cumin
Optional: fresh herbs such as dill or cilantro

Method:

Mix the steamed beet, chickpeas and lemon juice together in a blender. If the mixture doesn't blend try adding a bit of water or (optional) olive oil. Then add the spices and top with fresh herbs. Delicious served with crackers, raw vegetables, or even mixed with pasta or on top of rice! Enjoy! 

This is a very easy recipe for a great nutritious dip!

Ingredients:
1 steamed yam (cut yam into small pieces and steam until soft)
1 can garbanzo beans  (chickpeas)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Fresh cilantro to taste

Method:
 
Combine the steamed yam with all other ingredients except cilantro in a blender and mix until smooth. If necessary, add a spoon or two of water to get desired consistency. Finally, add the fresh cilantro. Serve with fresh vegetables, chips, or even as a bagel spread in the morning!

This is an easy, fast and delicious spread that is somewhat of a cross between hummus and guacamole. It serves well as a dip for chips or veggies, but also works as sandwich or pita filler.

Ingredients:

1 ripe avocado
1 can chickpeas
Juice from 1/3 to 1/2 a lemon
Herbs of choice - cilantro and basil work great!
Pinch of ground cumin
Salt to taste 
Few tablespoons of water

Simply combine all the ingredients in a blender, mixing together. Add a bit of water if necessary as you blend. If you'd like, feel free to add a spoonful of nutritional yeast to the mix as well. Enjoy! 

Roasted pumpkin and chickpeas paired together are a match made in vegan, plant-based heaven!  Chickpeas are chock full of protein, and pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C.  The lemon juice and fresh herbs only enhance the taste and benefits of this dish. It's almost effortless to make, and goes over very well as an party appetizer! See other serving ideas below too. 

Ingredients: 


1 cup roasted pumpkin (cut pumpkin into small pieces and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, bake uncovered for 20 minutes at 180 Celsius or 350 Fahrenheit) 
1 can garbanzo beans  (chickpeas)
Juice from 1/2 a lemon
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional!) 
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cumin
Fresh cilantro to taste

Once you've roasted the pumpkin, combine it with all other ingredients (except cilantro) in a blender and mix until smooth. If necessary, add a bit more water to get desired consistency. Finally, add the fresh cilantro and stir in by hand.  A few serving ideas include:

1. Place the hummus in a bowl and surround it with raw vegetables, including carrots, cucumbers, celery and peppers
2. Use the hummus as a spread for pita bread or rice crackers!
3. Turn the hummus into a meal! Pair it with broccoli and rice for a satisfying and healthy lunch or dinner.  

The amount of hummus above serves dinner for 4 or is enough to serve as an appetizer for a party of 10.