Lemony Red Lentil Hummus Spread

Having an array of sauces and spreads in your kitchen repertoire is key to elevating flavor in your dishes. Equally as important is creating those items in a healthy manner.

Sure, you could just purchase a pre-mixed, pre-packaged spread from the grocery store, but what you get with that is a whole bunch of sugar and chemicals that are going to wreak havoc on your body. Plus it's really easy to make your own, especially of you happen to have some pre-cooked lentils around.

This isn't a true hummus, which calls for chickpeas and tahini, it's a lentil spread or dip or salad topper - perfect for sandwiches and snacking. The lemon adds a brightness which is perfect on grilled chicken and veggies (I used it on a lettuce wrap filled with just such items.)

Light, super healthy and super delicious- this lemon and red lentil dip spread is a perfect addition to any meal.



Happy Healthy Tip: Lentils are a great source of cholesterol-reducing fiber.

Lemony Red Lentil Hummus Spread

1 cup uncooked red lentils

2 1/2 cups water

1 clove garlic

2 tbls extra virgin olive oil

1 lemon, juiced and zested

1/2 tsp salt

pepper to taste

Bring the water to a boil in a sauce pan. In the meantime, rinse the lentils and pick out any stones. Add the lentils to the water, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until the lentils are tender (about 10 - 15 minutes.)

Peel the garlic clove and add to the lentils (this is not to cook the garlic but rather just soften it slightly.) Remove from heat and let cool.

In a blender or food processor, place garlic clove, half of the cooked lentils, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, the lemon juice & zest, and the salt- pulse and blend until smooth. Add in the remaining cooked lentils and a twist of black pepper and blend until smooth. Use the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to thin the spread out if it is too thick. Enjoy!