I’m a BIG snacker. I’ve never liked that full feeling you get from eating too much at once. I am also never overly hungry; maybe that’s the reason why I hardly ever overeat.

I don’t just snack on anything though. I try to keep healthy snacks around. I like salty and crunchy; so popcorn, nuts and grape tomatoes (with salt and pepper) are a staple at home. Organic blue corn tortilla chips with homemade spicy chipotle salsa, beans or guacamole; pita chips and hummus. Yum!

I had never tried edamame hummus until my also vegan friend Kelly mentioned it. I love hummus, and all Mediterranean things- tabouli salad, Baba Ganoush, dolmas, falafel, etc. And I’m a big fan of all Asian foods as well, so I figured edamame hummus would be good.

I bought one next time we were on our usual weekly grocery trip to Trader Joe’s. It was REALLY good; smooth, creamy and lemony; like so many other Trader Joe’s products. So I decided to try it at home. Chickpea hummus is really easy to make, so I figured edamame hummus is too. And it is! Here’s what you do:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked shelled edamame
• ¼ cup tahini
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh herbs (optional--cilantro or basil are my favorite)
• 2 tbsp. olive oil (add more if you like your hummus creamier)
• ½ tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. sea salt freshly ground paprika *optional

Directions:

1. Puree edamame, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, salt and herbs in food processor. Blend until smooth, scrape down the side of the bowl as necessary.

2. Drizzle olive oil through, continuing to process until it is fully incorporated.

3. Transfer to a serving plate/bowl. Drizzle with a little more olive oil and garnish with smoked paprika and/or herbs.

4. Serve with pita chips, crackers, crudités or spread on roasted veggie sandwiches.

Incredibly simple to make and so delicious! It has a bright, clean, mellow flavor. It really looks healthy and beautiful. This is our new favorite healthy green dip.

Note:

Edamame beans are a powerhouse of nutrition; a complete protein source

Tahini is high in omega 3′s, which lowers cholesterol and fights cardiovascular disease

Garlic improves heart health and protects against cancer

Lemons are rich in vitamin C, have a strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting power; they’re also a digestive aid and liver cleanser.