Loaded with freshly cooked chickpeas, this easy roasted pepper hummus is creamy, sweet, with wonderful grainy texture!

In addition to supporting good gut health and helping you meet your daily iron needs, chickpeas help regulate mood. They’re packed with folate, vitamin B6 and minerals, including manganese, potassium, magnesium, copper, iron, and zinc – which, according to numerous studies, squash stress and promote calmness. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Translational Medicine found that legumes like chickpeas can positively impact cognitive performance in the elderly. 

Need another reason to stock up on chickpeas? They are also good sources of L-tryptophan , an essential amino acid which the body cannot produce. Tryptophan is the precursor of  serotonin, one of the feel-good hormones.

For the Chickpeas 1½ cup Dried chickpeas, soaked overnight 1 qt. Water 1 tsp. Baking soda 1 tsp. Salt 2 sprigs Fresh thyme

For the Garlic 4 cloves Garlic cloves 1/4 cup Olive oil 1 tsp. Paprika

For the Vegetables 3 oz. Green beans, split in half 3 oz. Asparagus 3 oz. Butternut squash, cut into ‘fries’ 1 tbsp. Olive oil 1/8 tsp. Salt 1/2 tsp. Spray oil

For the Hummus 1 large Lemon zest 1/2 cup Tahini 1/2 cup Roasted red peppers 1 large Lemon juice 1/4 cup Ice water 1 tsp. Salt 1/2 tsp. Black pepper