My family loves the Tuscan Hummus in the California Pizza Kitchen’s Cookbook. It’s made with ingredients that are really good for you. What makes it uniquely Italian is using white beans instead of garbanzo beans, found in a traditional recipe. It’s loaded with fresh garlic, Tahini, olive oil and seasonings. My skinny version retains the same great taste but with a fraction of the fat and calories. I’m even including a Checca topping just like theirs. This skinny dip has 116 calories and 5 grams fat. CPK’s has 225 calories and 17 grams of fat for the same serving size. That’s a big difference and you’ll love this skinny appetizer!
Ingredients
Ingredients for Hummus:
- 6 medium garlic cloves or more, if desired
- 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans (Great Northern Beans) rinsed and drained
- ¼ cup Tahini (sesame paste)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon plus ½ teaspoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Ingredients for Tomato Topping:
- 2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
- ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Fresh ground pepper to taste
- Whole wheat pita bread and/or pita chips (I found both at Trader Joe’s)
Instructions
- To prepare the hummus: In a food processor fitted with a steel blade, mini chop or blender, process the garlic cloves until finely minced. Stop the processor to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Add the beans, Tahini, lemon juice, water, olive oil, soy sauce, cumin, salt, pepper, cayenne and process until combined. Stop the machine and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Continue to process until smooth.
- Place the hummus in a serving bowl or plate.
- To prepare the Checca: In a medium bowl, toss together all Checca ingredients.
- Arrange the Checca on top. Surround hummus with pita triangles and pita chips. Store leftovers in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for several days.
- The hummus and Checca can be prepared in advance. Refrigerate each separately and place in a serving bowl just before serving.
Notes
Makes 2⅔ cups (1 serving, 2 tablespoons)
Food Facts
Tahini is used in Middle Eastern cooking. It’s a thick paste made of ground sesame seeds. It’s one of the ingredients you’ll find in hummus. Checca is a simple salad of fresh ripe tomatoes tossed with garlic, vinegar, and olive oil.
Healthy Benefits
A half cup of great northern beans are low in fat, cholesterol free and provide more than 20% of the daily recommended amount of fiber. Tahini contains a rich portion of calcium, iron, and vitamin B. In addition, it’s a good source of niacin, protein, zinc, and fiber.
Shopping Tips
You’ll find Tahini (sesame paste) in the international section of most supermarkets. Trader Joe’s sells a variety of pita breads. I used their whole wheat. They also sell delicious bags of pita chips with sea salt. These are baked and contain 50% less fat than regular potato chips. You’ll find these in the chips aisle. One of Milton’s snack cracker’s would be terrific with this recipes too. Weight Watchers (old points) 2
Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS 3
Food Facts
Tahini is used in Middle Eastern cooking. It’s a thick paste made of ground sesame seeds. It’s one of the ingredients you’ll find in hummus. Checca is a simple salad of fresh ripe tomatoes tossed with garlic, vinegar, and olive oil.
Healthy Benefits
A half cup of great northern beans are low in fat, cholesterol free and provide more than 20% of the daily recommended amount of fiber. Tahini contains a rich portion of calcium, iron, and vitamin B. In addition, it’s a good source of niacin, protein, zinc, and fiber.
Shopping Tips
You’ll find Tahini (sesame paste) in the international section of most supermarkets. Trader Joe’s sells a variety of pita breads. I used their whole wheat. They also sell delicious bags of pita chips with sea salt. These are baked and contain 50% less fat than regular potato chips. You’ll find these in the chips aisle. One of Milton’s snack cracker’s would be terrific with this recipes too. Weight Watchers (old points) 2
Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS 3
| SKINNY FACTS: for 2 tablespoons Tuscan Hummus 116 calories, 5g fat, 5g protein, 14g carbs, 4g fiber, 401mg sodium, 1g sugar |
| FAT FACTS: for 2 tablespoons CPK’s Tuscan Hummus 225 calories, 17g fat, 5g protein, 15g carbs, 4g fiber, 707mg sodium, 2g sugar |
Skinny Facts
Serving: 2tablespoonsCalories: 116kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 5gFat: 5gSodium: 401mgFiber: 4gSugar: 1gPlus Points: 3
