Sweet Potato Toast with Homemade Hummus

This is a simple snack, but when I tried this for the first time, I was surprised by how delicious it was! Creamy sweet potato and homemade hummus is a match made in heaven!

Sweet potatoes are a great root vegetable and are super versatile. They're great here because they are full of fiber, so they can keep you full for longer! Fiber is a necessary part of our diets as it maintains a healthy digestive tract. They also contain potassium, which helps maintain normal blood pressure by limiting the effect of sodium. They are great for bone growth, as they contain carotenoids. Sweet potatoes also contain beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that supports your immune system and reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer. Beta-carotene can also be converted into vitamin A by your body, which contributes to eye health.

The homemade hummus recipe I've written for you is great to make; it's quick and you probably have all the ingredients at home! It lasts for about a week in the fridge and you can use it as a dip, a spread on sandwiches, and of course for this recipe! It's a staple at my house, and we almost always have some in the fridge. You can go the extra mile and get some dried garbanzo beans for the hummus, which have to be soaked for 12 hours and then cooked for about 4 hours, but not everyone has the time to do this, so the cans are great too. In the Middle East, we normally drizzle hummus with good quality extra virgin olive oil (the one I use is directly from Palestine!) and sprinkle it with paprika and cumin, and we dip pita bread into it. So delicious!

Hummus is not only versatile and tasty, but it contains garbanzo beans, which are a fantastic source of protein. They're also a great source of manganese which promotes a healthy metabolism, reproductive function and immune response. They contain dietary fiber too, which can lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

If you recreate this recipe, be sure to post it on Instagram and tag us @lorrainekearneynutrition; we love to see you eating delicious, nutritious foods!

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Sweet Potato Toast with Homemade hummus

Preparation: 5 mins (10 mins for hummus)

Cook time: 25 mins

Total Time: 30-40 mins

Ingredients

Hummus

• 1 15oz can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

• 1-2 cloves garlic

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1-2 tbsp tahini (to taste)

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/3 cup cold water, or ice cubes

Sweet potato toast

• 1 sweet potato, sliced

• 2 tablespoons hummus

• 2 radishes, sliced

• Smoked paprika, cumin (optional)

Directions

1. Blend the garbanzo beans in a food processor until relatively smooth

2. Add in the ice or cold water blend, until desired consistency is reached

3. Add garlic, tahini, lemon juice and salt and blend for 2 minutes

4. Finally, add in the olive oil and mix until just combined

5. Place sweet potato slices in oven and roast for 30 mins, or until soft and slightly charred

6. Reserve the rest of the slices in the fridge once cooled.*

7. Butter 2-3 slices sweet potato with hummus and top with sliced radishes, smoked paprika and cumin!

*To reheat, place in the oven for 10 mins.

Remember, eating healthy doesn't have to look boring!