Hummus In Raw Vegan Diets: Yay Or Nay?

Hummus is a delicious dip or spread that has gained popularity in the Western world. It is usually made by blending cooked chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, spices, and tahini. But is it suitable for a raw vegan diet?

The answer is yes and no. Traditional hummus is not considered raw because the chickpeas are cooked. However, there are raw vegan hummus recipes that substitute the cooked chickpeas with sprouted garbanzo beans, nuts, or zucchini. These alternatives provide a similar creamy texture and flavour while adhering to the principles of raw foodism, which dictates that food should not be heated above 115 degrees Fahrenheit to preserve the living enzymes found in plants.

When it comes to veganism, hummus is generally considered suitable as it does not contain animal products. However, it is always important to check the ingredient list, especially when it comes to flavoured hummus, as some brands may include dairy or other non-vegan ingredients.

Hummus is vegan, but not raw

Hummus is a delicious dip or spread that has gained popularity in the Western world. It is made by blending or mashing cooked chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, spices, and tahini—a simple Middle Eastern condiment made from hulled, toasted, and ground sesame.

The standard ingredients used to make hummus are all plant-based and naturally vegan. However, hummus is not considered a "raw food" because the chickpeas are cooked before being blended in. Some raw foodists make hummus with sprouted chickpeas or other alternatives like zucchini, but the taste of sprouted beans can be unappealing to some.

While most hummus is vegan, it is important to read the labels, especially when it comes to untraditional variations. Some brands may include dairy products like cheese or yogurt, and sugar is another common ingredient that might be processed using bone char, which many vegans find incompatible with their dietary preferences. Additionally, look out for hummus with "natural flavors" listed as an ingredient, which may indicate non-vegan flavors such as egg, dairy, meat, seafood, or poultry.

To ensure your hummus is vegan, scan the ingredient list and look for brands that advertise their products as vegan or use certified organic sugar, as organic sugar cannot be filtered using bone char per USDA regulations.

Garbanzo beans are cooked before being blended into hummus

Hummus is not considered a raw food because the garbanzo beans (chickpeas) are cooked before being blended. However, some recipes use sprouted garbanzo beans or other ingredients, such as zucchini, as substitutes to make raw hummus.

Garbanzo beans are typically soaked in water overnight and then boiled for 30 minutes to prepare them for hummus. This process helps to soften the beans and improve their texture, making them more suitable for blending.

Cooking the beans also has culinary benefits, as it develops certain flavors that enhance the taste of the hummus. Additionally, cooked garbanzo beans are easier to digest and offer improved nutritional value, including protein, fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals.

While it is possible to make hummus with raw garbanzo beans, it is generally not recommended due to the hard texture of the beans and the potential impact on flavor and digestion. Blending raw garbanzo beans can also be challenging, as they require a powerful blender or food processor to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.

In summary, garbanzo beans are typically cooked before being blended into hummus to improve their texture, flavor, and nutritional profile. While it is possible to make hummus with raw garbanzo beans, it may not yield the same taste, smoothness, and digestibility as hummus made with cooked beans.

Raw vegan hummus recipes use sprouted garbanzo beans or nuts

Hummus is generally considered vegan, as it does not contain any animal products. The basic ingredients are garbanzo beans (chickpeas), extra virgin olive oil, and tahini, along with varying amounts of lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and sea salt. However, it is not considered a "raw food" because the garbanzo beans are cooked before blending.

For those who follow a raw vegan diet, there are hummus recipes that use sprouted garbanzo beans or nuts. Here are some tips and recipes to make raw vegan hummus:

Sprouting Garbanzo Beans

Before making hummus with sprouted garbanzo beans, you will need to soak and sprout the beans. This process unlocks their full nutritional potential. Start by soaking the dried beans in purified water for 8-12 hours. Rinse and drain them thoroughly. Then, place the chickpeas in a jar or bowl and leave them at room temperature. Rinse and drain them 2-3 times a day for 2-3 days until they sprout.

Raw Sprouted Hummus Recipe

Once you have sprouted the garbanzo beans, making raw hummus is easy. Simply add the sprouted beans, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, and salt to a food processor or high-speed blender. Process until smooth and creamy, adding water as needed to adjust the consistency. Serve with fresh veggies, crackers, or pita chips.

Raw Vegan Hummus with Nuts

If you prefer to use nuts in your raw hummus, there are a few options. You can use fermented sunflower seeds, cashews, or raw sesame seeds blended with olive oil to make your own tahini. Alternatively, you can use a combination of raw nuts and seeds, such as flax seeds, to create a unique hummus flavour.

Raw Zucchini Hummus

For a creative twist on traditional hummus, try using zucchini as the base. Combine zucchini with olive oil, raw vegan tahini, lemon or lime juice, and sea salt in a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasonings to taste, and serve with raw veggies or flax crackers.

Zucchini is a popular alternative base for raw hummus

Hummus is not considered a "raw food" because the chickpeas are cooked before being blended. However, some raw foodists substitute sprouted chickpeas for regular chickpeas. Another option is to make hummus with zucchini as a base instead.

There are many variations on the zucchini hummus recipe. Some recipes include roasted red peppers, while others add avocado, beetroot powder, or pumpkin purée. It's also possible to add yoghurt or cream cheese for a tangy flavour.

Zucchini hummus is a delicious and healthy alternative to classic hummus recipes. It's gluten-free, vegan, low-carb, and oil-free. It's also highly nutritious due to the many antioxidants present in zucchini, which are very good for your health.

Raw hummus can be paired with raw crackers or chopped veggies

While hummus is vegan, it is not considered a raw food because the chickpeas are cooked before blending. However, raw hummus can be made with sprouted chickpeas or zucchini as a base. Raw hummus can be paired with raw crackers or chopped veggies.

Raw crackers are a great option for those who want a crunchy dipper to go with their hummus. You can make your own raw crackers at home using a dehydrator or buy them from a health food store. Some options for raw crackers include:

• Juice pulp crackers
• Flaxseed crackers
• Raw pita chips
• Rice crackers
• Flatbread crackers
• Herb Parmesan crackers
• Gluten-free crackers

Chopped veggies are another excellent option to pair with raw hummus. They provide a crunchy-creamy pairing that is satisfying and healthy. Here are some ideas for vegetables that can be chopped and served raw with hummus:

• Carrots
• Bell peppers
• Radishes
• Cucumbers
• Celery
• Zucchini
• Cauliflower
• Broccoli
• Cherry tomatoes
• Avocado

So, if you're looking for a delicious and healthy snack or appetizer, why not try pairing raw hummus with raw crackers or chopped veggies? It's a perfect way to get your daily dose of nutrients while enjoying a tasty treat.

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