Hummus with Roasted Sweet Potato

Hummus and fresh veggies in the fridge means a healthy snack is always an option. Sweet potato ramps up the nutritional heft and the flavor in this version of hummus. I used part of the roasted sweet potato in a souffle and the rest for this appetizer/snack. Neal uses hummus instead of mayo on his sandwiches--have I mentioned he's a smart guy? With a few pantry friendly ingredients and a bit of time you can have a flavorful, healthy dip/spread at the ready.

Hummus with Roasted Sweet Potato
4 cloves garlic
1 cup sweet potato chunks, 1- 2 inch dice
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 15 ounce can garbanzo beans
2 tablespoons tahini paste (I buy this at the local grocery store)
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest
Salt to taste
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Toss unpeeled garlic and sweet potato chunks with olive oil and place on a roasting sheet. Cook for about 20 minutes or until tender, stirring once. When cool enough to handle, squeeze garlic out of skins into a food processor bowl along with the sweet potato. Drain beans, reserving liquid. Add beans, tahini, lemon juice and zest. Pulse several times. With processor on, pour in some of the reserved liquid and process until very smooth. Use up to half the liquid, depending on the consistency you like. Add salt to taste. Serve with naan, pita bread or veggie dippers.

Hints: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top is great when serving it with naan or pita bread. Add more or less lemon if you like. Hummus should be very smooth and creamy. I like mine with a bit more body, especially with veggie dippers, and so I use less of the liquid from the beans. It is always easy to add a bit more liquid but impossible to take any out so don't let it get soupy (if it does, open another can of beans). This recipe doubles easily w/o any modifications. Good served at room temp, OK chilled, too. Stores for several days in the fridge.

Sweet potato makes this hummus colorful, so serve it with bright green veggies for a great visual payoff. Happy snacking! (Check out Lemon and Carrot Hummus  for another non-dairy, non-gluten recipe.)