Healthy and Easy Game Day Grub: Pesto Infused White Bean Hummus
I have a confession. I've never watched a Superbowl in its entirety. In fact, I don't recall a time when I've focused on the big game for more than 10 minutes... Oh wait. As I sit here typing about my indifference to one of America's most favorite days, I remembered. The Tampa Bay Bucs did make it to the Superbowl when I was a senior in high school. And I did watch that game. In its entirety. But I am positive that was the only exception.
Don't judge me...but I don't give a rats behind about professional football. I'm a college football fan through and through and I'm certain that will never change. Thankfully, my fiance shares my sentiments. Yes ladies, it's okay to be jealous. I don't have to deal with all that obnoxious "hoot'n hollerin' on Sundays and Mondays. He will never need a "man cave" either. (I really hope I don't jinx that)
But I freaking love Superbowl Sunday. Because while I don't care about the game, I get to behave like an absolute glutton and no one will question it. Buffalo wings, crunchy potato chips with French onion dip, sub sandwich platters, and fried God knows what...it sure does suit my palate's fancy. Sometimes it's that kinda food that makes me happy. Food that's tried and true and just about as American as it gets.
Problem is, I'm kind of on a wedding diet this year. In case you didn't know, I'm tying the knot in just a couple of months. Before that, I'll be flaunting my stuff in Puerto Rico with my closest girlfriends. So this petite bod is not allowed to be plump. That means no fried goodness for me. Even the occasional "cheat day" wouldn't allow me all the game day grub I'd normally consume.
So today I'm bringing you a healthy game day food alternative. Something that won't make you regret all those bad eating decisions on Monday. Something that still boasts tons of flavor and is actually, quite addicting. Something that's also insanely easy to prepare.
Pesto Infused White Bean Hummus. It's smooth and creamy with one kick ass bite from the homemade pesto. It's also refreshing too, since my pesto contains a bit of mint and the hummus boasts a nice zing from the lemon.
Happy Superbowl...but more importantly, Happy Eating!
Pesto Infused White Bean Hummus
Ingredients:
1 can organic cannellini (white kidney) beans
2-3 tablespoons Pesto (recipe below or store-bought is fine)
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons tahini
1 tablespoon lemon juice
salt and pepper
Directions:
1) Combine all of the ingredients except for the pesto into a food processor. Pulse until smooth. Add more olive oil if needed.
2) Add a tablespoon of pesto and pulse 2-3 times.
3) Spoon into a small serving bowl and create a well in the middle. Pour the rest of the pesto in the well and top with a few pine nuts.
4) Serve with carrots, celery, pita chips, etc.
5) Enjoy!!!
Basil and Mint Pesto:
1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup packed fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons pine nuts
1 garlic clove
salt and pepper
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until smooth. Add more olive oil if needed.
