Hummus : The Best Healthy Snack for your Child

With schools going back in session this week, it’s time to think about what snack your child will be eating at break time.

Resist the temptation to fall into the easy pattern of sending them with chips or sweets: besides instilling poor eating habits, these foods also have a high glycemic load, meaning that your child will be more prone to bursts of high energy followed by periods of tiredness and lack of focus. Every week this month, we’ll have a new snack idea that’s guaranteed to earn you scores of Mom points. On the list this week: Hummus!

Hummus is loaded with protein from the chickpeas and the tahini paste, and will keep your child’s tummy full through that mid-morning slump. Plus, it takes just 10 minutes to make a big batch—so why not treat yourself to a healthy snack too?

Hummus Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cup cooked, drained chickpeas (or, use canned)
• ½ cup tahini paste
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• About ¼ cup water

Method:

Put the chickpeas in a blender or food processor with the tahini and lemon juice. Blend until the mixture starts to smooth out. Add the garlic, salt, and olive oil and blend for another minute. Then, add the water little by little, until the hummus is nice and creamy. Taste; add a bit of salt or another splash of lemon, according to your preferences.

Pack the hummus in a small container. You can even do this the night before to avoid school-morning stress! Pack carrot sticks, celery sticks, or pieces of bread to eat the hummus with.

Read more recipes from April Dodd