How 2 Pantry Ingredients Combine To Give This 10-Minute Dip A Boost Of Fiber

Following closely on the heels of the protein-powered trend that dominated the last few decades is a new focus on fiber, which makes sense. Eating too much protein can cause digestion issues and long-term health complications. Supplementing your diet with plenty of fiber is the simplest fix for that. It's not only great for improving digestion and overall gut health, it's also excellent for protecting your cardiovascular system.

The best part of this news is that many fiber-rich foods are also some of the most delicious, such as chickpeas and artichokes, which blend together into a delicious dip that makes it easy to get the recommended dose of about 30 grams of fiber per day. While 1 cup of cooked chickpeas contains about 12 grams of fiber, the same amount of artichoke hearts contains 13 or so grams of fiber. Though chickpeas make a deliciously crunchy roasted snack and artichoke hearts are the key to transforming boring salads, combining them in a zesty dip maximizes the potential fiber content of your snacks and appetizers much more than enjoying either one by itself.

Not to mention, chickpeas buzz up to a creamy, earthy, nutty dip, while artichoke hearts are tangy and lightly sweet with their own earthiness that beautifully complements the chickpeas inside a flavorful hummus. The dip also comes together in a matter of minutes with one can each of drained, rinsed chickpeas and artichoke hearts tossed into a food processor with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.

If you're thinking this recipe is basically just regular hummus with a can of artichoke hearts added to it, you're not far from the mark. That simplicity is the beauty of this recipe. Its easy versatility means you can meet your fiber goals without going to any extraordinary measures. Once you make a batch of this tasty dip, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge to enjoy with crackers and veggies, or use hummus as a delicious spread slathered on your next tomato sandwich.

You're also not limited to the typical hummus flavors and seasonings when making this. Feel free to add a few pinches of dried chiles, pickled garlic cloves, or even some grated parmesan cheese. Parmesan and artichoke hearts are delicious together, and the cheese also brings umami to the whole recipe. In fact, add some pine nuts and basil to the mix; pesto and hummus come from the same region. The result is earthy, tangy, aromatic, and beautifully savory. In addition to dips and sandwiches, you can also use this hummus as a delicious sauce in warm, freshly drained pasta, as a creamy element in grain bowls, or even as a spread on avocado toast for breakfast. It's even tasty as a finishing spread on roasted chicken breast, or as a dip for homemade waffle fries and potato chips.