Today I’d like to share with you this light and delicious summery dip made with one of my favorite veggies of the season, summer squash. I love all the varieties I find at the farmer’s market these days such as zucchini, pattypan, crookneck, cousa, yellow & green squash and more! I try to switch them up every week and enjoy the unique flavors and nutrients they each have to offer.
Summer squash is an excellent source of copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium, vitamins C and B, zinc, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids that are present in the seeds. It is also quite high in antioxidant nutrients, such as carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants are especially helpful in protection of the eye, especially age-related macular degeneration and cataracts (1). Since the skin is particularly rich in these antioxidant nutrients, I recommend going organic and leaving the skin intact to avoid the pesticides and potential contaminants in the conventional varieties. The antioxidants, omega-3s and all the other vitamins and minerals in summer squash can also help the body fight inflammation, balance blood sugar and prevent cancer (2).
Now if that does not give you a good enough reason to consume more squash, well maybe this tasty green “hummus” dip recipe would 😉 I created this recipe in collaboration with one of my favorite health food and supplement companies, Flora Health, for the back-to-school issue of their Pulse On Health newsletter. It makes a great snack for kids and adults alike to enjoy with fruits, veggies or flax crackers. You could also top it on your favorite protein, veggies or salads for lunch/dinner, add a generous dollop on your sandwiches or wraps, and much more!
Green “Hummus” Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw summer squash, chopped (zucchini, yellow squash or pattypan squash all work)
- 4 tablespoons tahini
- 4 tablespoons @FloraHealthy Udo’s Oil (could sub with EVOO- extra virgin olive oil)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 garlic clove
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Unrefined sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Add all the ingredients to a food processor or high-speed blender, and blend until smooth
- Enjoy with fruits, vegetables or gluten-free crackers and store leftovers in the fridge
Resources:
(1) http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=62
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC526387/
