Easy High Protein Red Lentil Hummus With Cashews
A great combination of flavors, this homemade hummus is simple and delicious. Easy high protein red lentil hummus with cashews is creamy and full of flavor. Curry, paprika, black pepper, and salt are the spices used to make this dish taste simple yet complex. You can find all the ingredients at your local grocery store.
Easy high protein red lentil hummus with cashews is a creamy hummus that blends lentils and cashews instead of garbanzo beans (chickpeas) which are usually found in traditional hummus.
To make this hummus, you’ll need red lentils, cashews, good-quality tahini, lemon juice, and spices. Simply blend all of the ingredients until smooth and creamy. You can add in any add-ins you like, such as chopped vegetables, herbs, or spices. Serve this hummus with pita bread, pita chips, or vegetables for a healthy and satisfying snack or meal. Why buy store-bought hummus when it is so easy and healthier to make your own hummus?
How Much Protein Is In Lentils And Cashews
Lentils and cashews are a great snack. And they taste delicious blended to make a complete protein dip. Snacking on this classic hummus is a great way to add protein and other essential vitamins that are found in healthy meals to your diet. Here is some nutritional information on the two…
Lentils
1 cup of cooked lentils contains 18 grams of protein. Did you know that lentils are in the number 2 spot of beans and legumes for having the highest protein amounts? Lentils can be used in a variety of different dishes and they blend up smooth and velvety in this easy hummus recipe. There are around 40 grams of carbohydrates in one cup of lentils, however, the higher protein content makes this popular dip an excellent choice for diabetics. Lentils have a low GI or glycemic index, are heart-healthy, and help support the digestive system.
Cashews
1 cup of cashews contains 20 grams of protein. Cashews are packed with a lot of protein similar to other nuts making them an excellent choice for a high-protein snack or a plant-based protein diet. These delicious nuts have a healthy amount of “good” fat. The good fats or polyunsaturated fats contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids essential to neurological health. Cashews are also good for heart health, and digestion and aid sleep.
Where Do Lentils Come From
Lentils are a type of legume that originated in the Middle East. They are a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world and are a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Lentils come in a variety of colors, including red, green, brown, and black. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, and are often used in soups, stews, and curries.
What Do Lentils Taste Like
Lentils have a slightly earthy, nutty flavor. They are also slightly sweet and chewy. Lentils can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, curries, and salads. Lentils pack a good amount of protein and essential amino acids into this hummus dip. It is a creamy dip that pairs with just about anything.
Ingredients For Easy High Protein Red Lentil Hummus With Cashews
Here is the ingredients list to make this delicious and easy high protein red lentil hummus with cashews.
- 1 cup of red lentils – Red lentils are small and tender. They cook up nicely and can be pureed smooth.
- 1 cup of cashews – Cashews when boiled or steamed make an excellent puree for hummus and dressings.
- 1/4 cup of tahini – Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds. It is earthy and slightly bitter. (sesame seed paste)
- Juice of one lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- Reserved cooking liquid to thin
- Olive oil and dried oregano for finishing.
Instructions On How To Make Easy High Protein Red Lentil Hummus With Cashews
1. Rinse the lentils and cashews and add to a large saucepan. Cover with 5 cups of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Drain, reserving a cup of the cooking liquid for later.
2. Add the cooked lentils and cashews to a food processor (or high-speed blender) and blend until smooth – about 1 minute.
3. Add in the tahini, lemon juice, and seasonings and continue blending for around 5 minutes until smooth. Add back in some of the cooking liquid a little bit at a time for a thinner consistency if desired.
4. Transfer the hummus to a serving dish drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano.
Add-ins for Easy High Protein Red Lentil Hummus With Cashews
Put in any add-ins to this high-protein hummus recipe, such as chopped vegetables (make roasted red pepper hummus!), herbs, or spices. More traditional hummus recipes use dried chickpeas or canned chickpeas- substitute them for the cashews if you like. Here are some suggestions for this versatile dip:
- Chia seeds
- Protein powder
- Hemp seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Coarse sea salt
- Peanut butter
- Red pepper (diced fine)
- Roasted dry chickpeas
- Garlic cloves
- Lemon zest
- Sesame seeds
- Black beans
You can also make different types of hummus! Try my low-sodium traditional chickpea hummus with garam masala (use dried/cooked chickpeas or a can of chickpeas(rinsed)). There is also beet hummus, edamame hummus, and hummus made with cannellini beans (so good!).
What To Serve With Easy High Protein Red Lentil Hummus With Cashews
Serve this hummus with pita bread, pita crackers, crackers, or vegetables for a healthy and satisfying snack or meal. Cut up cucumber, carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper slices to dip into this best hummus recipe. It is perfect to add to a weekly meal prep full of healthy ingredients.
To serve – put however much you want into a shallow bowl and swirl it around. Add a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle on some fresh herbs. (Dried herbs are fine too. I like oregano, thyme, and basil. It is a great centerpiece for a charcuterie board – see my chili charcuterie board for some inspiration.
Here are some serving suggestions:
- Kalamata olives
- Cottage Cheese
- Sliced cheeses
- French bread
- Deli Meats
- Use as a sandwich spread
- Greek yogurt and hummus on chicken (YUM!)
- Indian flatbread
How To Store Easy High Protein Red Lentil Hummus With Cashews
You can easily store this delicious high protein hummus recipe in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. It is perfect for meal prepping for the week, perfect as an after-school snack, or served as a side with lunch or dinner.
Wrapping Up Easy High Protein Red Lentil Hummus With Cashews
Looking for a high-protein snack that’s also delicious? Look no further than this easy high protein red lentil hummus with cashews! This recipe for a Middle Eastern dip is packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a great choice for a healthy snack or meal. It’s also gluten-free and vegan, so it’s perfect for everyone.
Easy high protein red lentil hummus with cashews is one of my favorite things and a perfect snack made with simple ingredients. My kids love to dip carrots and pita chips in it – as a mom that makes me so happy knowing they are enjoying a healthy snack. And as a diabetic, high-protein foods are very important for my diet.
Cheers,
Sarah
Recipe Card For Easy High Protein Red Lentil Hummus With Cashews
Easy High Protein Red Lentil Hummus With Cashews
Equipment
- 1 Food Processor
Ingredients
- 1 cup of red lentils
- 1 cup of cashews
- 1/4 cup of tahini
- Juice of one lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- Reserved cooking liquid to thin
- Olive oil and dried oregano for finishing.
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils and cashews and add to a large cooking pot. Cover with 5 cups of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Drain, reserving a cup of the cooking liquid for later.
- Add the cooked lentils and cashews to a food processor (or high-speed blender) and blend until smooth – about 1 minute.
- Add in the tahini, lemon juice, and seasonings and continue blending for around 5 minutes until smooth. Add back in some of the cooking liquid a little bit at a time for a thinner consistency if desired.
- Transfer the hummus to a serving dish drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano.
Very nice photography. N Ice to see healthy recipes!