To continue our celebration of #MedMonth and to honour International Hummus Day, we’ve collected 7 delicious hummus recipes to get your taste buds excited. What easier way to enjoy these nutritious pulses than whizzing them up into a creamy dip in a blender?

The meal possibilities for hummus are endless. It can be served as a dip, spread or with salad. Any of the recipes here (except the sweet hummus) are a great addition to a Budda bowl. For a snack or light lunch, serve any of the hummus recipes with toasted wholewheat pita bread slices and raw sliced veggies for dipping.

Get your can of chickpeas ready and choose your favourite variation to try out first. Snap a photo and tag us on social to let us know what your favourite hummus recipe is. We’re on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Before we dig into the recipes, here are a couple of general tips for perfect hummus every time:

• Pour in the olive oil during processing until the ideal consistency is reached.

• Add a dash of cold water to help make it smooth and creamy.

• For extra smooth hummus, remove the skins by gently rolling the chickpeas in a clean kitchen towel before using.

• Don’t discard the aquafaba (the chickpea water)! If your hummus is too thick, add some instead of water when processing. Or, use it in another recipe – aquafaba is great as an egg replacement in desserts such as dairy-free mousse.

Using animals to convert plant protein to animal protein in meat and dairy products is inefficient. Eggs have the highest protein conversion efficiency, meaning 25% of the protein in animal feed is efficiently converted to protein in the animal product (2). The remaining 75% of protein is lost conversion. Poultry, pork, and red meat are less efficient with protein conversion efficiencies of roughly 20, 8.5, and 4% respectively (2). With this inefficient conversion other health promoting components of plant proteins are also lost, such as fiber, and instead animal proteins are packaged with saturated fat which have negative health effects.

Those who eat animal products are most likely also consuming soy, albeit indirectly. For example, 1 kg of chicken requires more than 600 grams of soy chicken feed. Furthemore, the average Dutch person eats about 23 kg of chicken per year, which translates to an indirect yearly intake of more than 13 kg of soy chicken feed (yum!) (3). If you also add the average consumption of soy from pigs and beef, you arrive at a total of more than 30 kg of soy that ends up on the plate of the average omnivore indirectly via the feed of chickens, pigs, and cows. And let us not forget the soy that’s required to feed the cows producing milk, yoghurt, and cheese, or the chickens laying eggs.

In comparison, it is estimated that the average Western vegan consumes about 10-12 grams of soy protein per day, which is approximately 350 ml of soy milk (5). If we translate this back to ‘animal feed’, this compares to eating 11 kg per year. An average omnivore consumes about 3 times as much soy as the average vegan via meat.

Soy production and its environmental impact

Nearly 70% of all soy used today comes from the US or Brazil (6). Over the last 60 years, the demand for soy has increased dramatically. Most of this growth has come from increased demand for processed soy for animal feed (70% of global demand), biofuels and vegetable oil. By 2013, the demand for processed soy increased from 88 million to 227 million tons. Yet, during this period, demand for soy products such as tofu and soy milk increased by only 3 million tons (6). This is no surprise. Global meat production has more than tripled over the past 50 years. This increase is strongest in poultry – the largest consumer of soy feed.

Although the area used to grow soy has more than quadrupled, several studies come to a similar conclusion: the direct causes of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest are largely due to grasslands for cattle ranching, not soy production (7-9). Yet, soy still plays a significant role when we take its indirect impacts into account. Because most deforestation is driven by expanding pastures for beef, or soy to feed poultry and pigs, for consumers reducing meat consumption is a key way to make an impact (6).

Kid with Raspberries

Genetically modified soy

More than half of the world’s soybean production is genetically modified. Assuming 30 kg of animal feed is needed per year per person for meat production, it is likely that the average omnivorous Dutch person indirectly ingests about 15 kg of genetically modified soy via meat and poultry.

Most soy products made for human consumption, for example from brands such as Alpro, are not made from genetically modified soy (10). Any product containing genetically modified soy must state it clearly on its packaging. European legislation requires that if a product contains more than 0.9% genetically modified ingredients, it must be stated very clearly on the packaging (11). This rule does not apply to animal products derived from animals that have eaten genetically modified feed. In organic livestock farming, animals are not fed genetically modified soy. So, if you wish to eat meat, drink a glass of milk, or scramble an egg from animals that have not been fed genetically modified food, choose organic. If you don’t care, you will most likely be ingesting food produced using genetically modified soy. Whether or not genetically modified soy is bad for your health is not discussed here. The reality is: we don’t know.

Soy and breast cancer

Soy contains phytoestrogens. These are plant substances (phyto) that are similar to female hormones (estrogens) in the body. This is the reason why some people think soy increases the risk of breast cancer or causes so-called “man boobs”!

However, recent research shows that soy consumption does not increase the risk of breast cancer, and instead may decrease it (12). In the figure below you can see why this may be the case, explained using genistein, a phytoestrogen found in soy. Because estrogen and phytoestrogens look alike, phytoestrogens can attach to the body’s estrogen receptors. But, instead of activating these receptors (and thus stimulating tissue growth), in some cases, they occupy them and block the real estrogen from being able to bind (thus reducing the stimulation of tissue growth) (13).

Studies evaluating the effects of soy and phytoestrogens on breast cancer tumor incidence and growth in mice and rat models have shown variable results (14). Yet, it has become apparent that mice and rats metabolize phytoestrogens differently than humans and thus the translation of these studies to humans should be done with caution (15,16). Although more research needs to be done, recent studies conclude that soy is likely to have a protective effect against cancer in general, especially lung and prostate cancer (17). The possible protective effects of soy are based on studies with soy-containing foods, not soy supplements.

It is also interesting to look at the difference in breast cancer cases between Europe and Asia. Countries with the highest number of breast cancer cases, yet relatively low soy consumption, include Belgium, Denmark, France, and the Netherlands (18). In these countries, 315-335 out of 100,000 people (age-standardized) develop breast cancer yearly. Contrarily, in countries like Japan, China, Thailand, and Indonesia, known for relatively high soy consumption, breast cancer cases remain between 140 and 280 per 100,000 people (19). Although this may also be due to other factors, various review studies conclude that soy appears to have a protective effect against breast cancer, especially in women who have had breast cancer before (20, 21). On the other hand, dairy from cows has been linked to a higher risk of death from breast cancer and a higher risk of prostate cancer in men (22, 23). Also, red meat has also been associated with an increased risk of cancer in general and in particular breast cancer (24).

Should we be worried about phytic acids?

Phytic acids are mainly found in nuts, grains, and legumes, including soy. Phytic acids are said to hinder the absorption of minerals such as zinc, iron, and calcium as they can bind to minerals in our body and are then excreted through the intestines. As a result, some may refer to them as anti-nutrients and therefore vegans who consume a relatively large amount of phytic acids could theoretically suffer significant deficiencies. However, this does not appear to be the case (25).

Studies show that consuming too many phytic acids in a deficient diet (think of developing countries or one-sided diets) can indeed aggravate the situation. Yet, this does not appear to be the case in those eating a well-balanced diet. Given the diseases that we frequently see in Western countries, it is much more interesting to look at the benefits of phytic acids. For example, phytic acids appear to be an antioxidant and have protective effects against cancer and atherosclerosis (26). Also, fermented soy products such as tempeh, miso, and soy yoghurt contain fewer phytic acids than non-fermented products, such as tofu, because they are broken down during the fermentation process.

Soy and thyroid health

Research and experience show that soy can have some impact on the thyroid gland (27, 28). Although research shows that soy does not cause a slow thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), soy can impair the absorption of iodine, and iodine is needed to make thyroid hormones. It is therefore important to ensure that the intake of iodine is also sufficient. Iodine can be found in iodized salt and bread, or seaweed. In general, if you use thyroid medicine, it is good to consult a doctor or dietician, because soy (supplements) and fibre-rich foods can reduce the absorption of these medicines (29).

Other health benefits of soy

Inflammation or chronic, low-grade inflammation in the body is a root cause of many diseases of affluence. Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer are associated with inflammation. Soy consumption appears to protect against inflammation, lowers LDL (‘bad’ cholesterol), reduces hot flashes, promotes glucose metabolism, relieves depressive symptoms and improves skin health (30-32). To unlock the LDL-lowering potential of soy, aim for an intake of 25 g soy protein per day as its effects have been shown at this level (31).

CLASSIC HUMMUS

Ingredients

• 400 g cooked chickpeas, drained (set aside a few whole chickpeas for the decoration)

• 6 cloves of garlic

• juice of 2 lemons

• 8 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 4 tbsp tahini

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• salt & pepper (to taste)

Preparation

• Add all ingredients into a food processor and blend for about 2-3 minutes, until nice and smooth.

• Transfer to a bowl and top with the whole chickpeas and a dash of olive oil. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and sweet or smoked paprika.

• Serve with toasted wholewheat pita bread slices and raw sliced veggies for dipping.
  

BEETROOT HUMMUS

Ingredients

• 250 g cooked beetroot

• 400 g cooked chickpeas, drained

• 2 cloves of garlic

• juice of 1 lemon

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp tahini

• 1⁄2 tsp ground cumin

• salt & pepper (to taste)

Preparation

• Chop the beetroot into bite-size pieces.

• Add all ingredients into a food processor and blend for about 2-3 minutes, until nice and smooth.

• Serve as a spread on whole wheat or sourdough bread rolls.

SUN-DRIED TOMATO HUMMUS

Ingredients

• 800 g cooked chickpeas, drained

• 10 sun-dried tomatoes

• 2 tbsp oil (from sun-dried tomato jar)

• juice of 2 lemons

• 2 cloves of garlic

• 2 tbsp tahini

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1⁄2 tsp sea salt

• 50 g pine nuts

Preparation

• Lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry pan (no oil) and set aside.

• Add all other ingredients into a food processor and blend for about 2-3 minutes, until nice and smooth.

• Serve with the toasted pine nuts on top, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.

GINGER & TURMERIC HUMMUS

Ingredients

• 400 g cooked chickpeas, drained

• 3 cm of ginger, peeled and grated

• 1 clove of garlic

• juice of 1 lemon

• 2 tbsp tahini

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tsp turmeric powder

• salt & pepper (to taste)

Preparation

• Add all ingredients into a food processor and blend for about 2-3 minutes, until nice and smooth.

• Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.

• Serve with the veggie dipping sticks of your choice!

ROASTED SWEET POTATO HUMMUS

Ingredients

• 1 small / medium sweet potato

• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

• 400 g cooked chickpeas, drained

• 1 clove of garlic

• 2 tbsp tahini

• 2 tbsp of lemon juice

• salt & pepper (to taste)

• 1 tsp cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice

• Optional: a dash of maple syrup to sweeten

Preparation

• Preheat oven to 200°C. Cut the potato into cubes and toss in oil.

• Roast for 15 – 20 minutes until cooked. Set aside and allow to cool.

• Add potato and remaining ingredients into a food processor and blend for about 2-3 minutes, until nice and smooth.

GREEN LENTIL HUMMUS WITH HERBS AND OLIVES

Ingredients

• 250 g green lentils, cooked and drained

• 70 g kalamata olives, pitted

• juice of 2 lemons

• 2 cloves garlic

• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp tahini

• 1⁄2 tsp cumin

• 2 tbsp sunflower seeds

• fresh, chopped parsley

Preparation

• Lightly toast the sunflower seeds in a dry pan (no oil) and set aside.

• Add all ingredients (except sunflower seeds and parsley) into a food processor and blend for about 2-3 minutes, until nice and smooth.

• Transfer to a bowl and sprinkle with the sunflower seeds and parsley.

SNICKERDOODLE HUMMUS (SWEET)

Ingredients

• 400 g cooked chickpeas, drained

• 2 tbsp almond butter

• 2 tbsp date syrup

• 2 large dates

• 3 tbsp unsweetened plant milk

• 2 ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 1 ½ tsp cinnamon

• pinch of salt

Preparation

• Add all ingredients into a food processor and blend for about 2-3 minutes, until nice and smooth.

• Allow hummus to chill in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving. Resist the temptation to eat it straight out of the blender!

• Serve with fresh fruit such as apple slices, bananas and berries, or spread on rice crackers or whole wheat toast.