Veggie Sticks with Hummus is a healthy and colorful snack that’s perfect for both kids and adults. This snack is loaded with fresh vegetables and protein-packed hummus, making it a nutritious option for any time of day. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite veggies and homemade or store-bought hummus.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
For the Veggie Sticks:
- 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 1 cucumber, cut into sticks
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), sliced
- 1 stalk of celery, cut into sticks
- Optional: cherry tomatoes, radishes, or snap peas
For the Hummus:
- 1 can (400g/14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons tahini (sesame paste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-4 tablespoons cold water (to adjust consistency)
- Paprika or olive oil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Veggie Sticks: Wash and peel the vegetables if necessary, then cut them into sticks. Arrange them on a plate or in small bowls. You can use any combination of vegetables based on your preference.
- Make the Hummus (Optional): If using store-bought hummus, skip to step 4. To make homemade hummus, combine the chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Process until smooth, adding cold water gradually to reach your desired consistency.
- Adjust and Garnish the Hummus: Taste the hummus and adjust seasoning as needed. For a smoother hummus, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your preferred texture. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
- Serve: Place the hummus in a bowl and serve with the veggie sticks on the side. Enjoy immediately as a light snack or appetizer.
Things to Consider
- Vegetable Options: You can use a wide variety of vegetables for this snack. Try adding cauliflower florets, snap peas, or broccoli for extra variety and crunch.
- Hummus Variations: For a twist, you can add roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to the hummus.
- Store-Bought Hummus: If you’re short on time, use high-quality store-bought hummus for convenience. You can still jazz it up with some olive oil and spices.
Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the hummus and veggie sticks ahead of time. Store the hummus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days and keep the cut veggies in a container with a damp paper towel to keep them fresh.
- Kid-Friendly Tip: For kids, offer a variety of colorful vegetables, and serve the hummus in small bowls for dipping. You can even cut the veggies into fun shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this as a healthy snack, appetizer, or even part of a picnic or lunchbox for both kids and adults.
This Veggie Sticks with Hummus recipe is an easy, nutritious snack packed with vitamins, fiber, and protein. It’s perfect for a healthy bite any time of day. Enjoy!