August 2, 2012

acute how-to: guacamole 3 ways

Today’s post is all about guacamole because….who doesn’t love it?

Try my basic recipe; lighten it up by reducing the amount of avocado and adding in green peas, or go in a different direction all together with guacamole hummus.

All three recipes have the same basic ingredients and can be easily changed based on your personal preferences. If you like things spicy, add some jalapeno. Or, if you prefer a stronger onion flavor, use red onion rather than green.

If you use fresh ingredients, it’s really hard to go wrong with guacamole!

Ingredients:

  • avocados
  • limes
  • fresh cilantro
  • sea salt
  • green onions
  • green peas
  • Greek yogurt
  • white beans

Basic Recipe

In a large bowl, mash together a few avocados, a large handful of chopped fresh cilantro, the juice from 2-3 limes, and about 1/3 cup of chopped green onions. Mix in a little sea salt to taste and serve.

I like to eat mine with fresh chopped tomatoes on top.

Low-Fat Recipe

Microwave or steam one cup of green peas until tender. Put the peas in a small food processor and process until they no longer resemble peas. Add in one large avocado, a large handful of shopped fresh cilantro, the juice from 2-3 limes, and about 1/3 cup of chopped green onions. Mix in sea salt to taste and serve with fresh tomatoes on top.

Guacamole Hummus

In a food processor add 2/3 cup Greek yogurt, one cup of white beans, one avocado, one garlic clove, a large handful of chopped fresh cilantro, the juice from 2-3 limes, and about 1/3 cup of chopped green onions.

Process until smooth and enjoy with tortilla chips, crackers, or chopped veggies.

 Enjoy!

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March 29, 2012

Acute How-To: Low Fat Hummus

I realize that in general hummus is a really healthy food… but I discovered a way to make it even healthier and lower in fat.

Rather than using the traditional ingredient tahini, I tried fat free Greek yogurt.  Using Greek yogurt resulted in a super creamy and delicious hummus.

I used spinach and artichoke in this recipe, but you can use any of your favorite veggies and herbs.  Or, just do a traditional humus recipe with a little garlic and lemon juice.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can (about 14 oz) of garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/3 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
  • the juice from one lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 small garlic clove)
  • 3/4 cup frozen shopped spinach that has been defrosted (or 2 cups fresh)
  • 1 cup artichoke hearts (frozen or canned…just avoid the kind packed in oil)
  • a handful of fresh flat leaf parsley
  • 1 teaspoon of salt and some black pepper

Just add everything to a food processor or powerful blender and whirl away!  I ate mine with fresh pita bread and carrot sticks.

Store leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.

Enjoy!

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