Pages

Saturday, January 14, 2012

baked spinach herb chips & hummus

This recipe is vegan and dairy-free.

the goods:
5-6 Spinach Tortillas or Wraps (We used Mission Garden Spinach Herb Wraps)
olive oil (enough to coat chips)
chili powder (enough to sprinkle over chips)
garlic powder  (enough to sprinkle over chips)
salt & black pepper to taste (optional)
1 8-oz. container of Hummus (We used Tribe Classic Hummus)

the process:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Coat two large baking sheets with non-stick cooking spray. 
3. Cut tortillas into triangles, using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
4. Lay tortilla triangles on baking sheets in a way where they do not overlap.
5. Either brush or coat lightly (using paper towel, for example) olive oil over chips.
6. Season with chili powder, garlic powder and salt & pepper.
7. Bake for 6-7 minutes or until corners curl up and they appear crisp. 
Be careful to watch after 5 minutes so they do not burn.
8. Let cool for 2-3 minutes, then serve with hummus!
Chips will continue to crisp while cooling.

the result:
40-50 tortilla chips

the benefits:
Hummus is a wonderful source of fiber, iron and protein made from chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans), tahini (sesame paste) and various other ingredients. Chickpeas are very healthy because they do not contain any cholesterol or saturated fats. They are also rich in protein. Chickpeas are also known to be effective in preventing build up of cholesterol in the blood vessels. Apart from that, it can maintain correct blood sugar levels. Hummus as a whole contains plenty of Omega 3 fatty acids, which are great for improving intelligence and maintaining a healthy heart. On top of it all, this dish also has iron, vitamin B6, manganese, copper, folic acid, and amino acids. Tryptophan, phenylalanine, and tyrosine are the amino acids found in hummus that can promote good quality sleep and uplift one’s mood. Hummus is loaded with nutrients that can contribute to a healthy lifestyle. 

Spinach Wraps offer a source of protein, and contain no sugar. They are also a source of iron and calcium, and when baked, offer a healthy alternative to fried, greasy chips.

Chili Powder can help to relieve achy joints. Research shows that capsaicin, found in chili peppers, has an anti-inflammatory effect, which may help ease arthritic swelling and pain.

Garlic powder has all the benefits of whole garlic because it is a powdered version of whole garlic, according to the Mayo Clinic. Garlic powder and whole garlic have been shown to strengthen the immune system and help fight cancer. Also, garlic powder and raw garlic have a blood-thinning benefit -- which can help people who suffer from high blood pressure and heart disease.

the brands (used in this recipe):

No comments:

Post a Comment