Sweets N Beets...

Today I was going to make hummus...and I had been at work.  Kind of silly how I day dream about recipes instead of other things I could be doing, but I suppose, since I work in a health food store, I am looking at food a lot!  I was feeling rather uninspired in the realm of hummus.  I didn't want the usual flavors such as plain garlic, or roasted red pepper.  Now, don't get me wrong, those flavors are delicious, but I was in an exotic sort of mood.  I randomly walked by the Terra chips, which are delicious with hummus by the way, and the "Sweets & Beets" variety caught my eye.  Suddenly it dawned on me...sweets and beet hummus!  I had used beets in hummus before, and they gave it a lovely pink hue, but didn't add much flavor.  Sweet potatoes however, would add a sweet flavor, and their colors together would be beautiful!  So when I got home, I whipped up this concoction, using white beans as the base, and the usuals for hummus, olive oil, lemon and cumin, with a bit of chipotle for kick, and of couse lots of garlic!  I changed it up by using some almond butter instead of the traditional tahini, because I love the sweet flavor it gives the hummus.  It was beautiful once it was all blended together...like a sunset, a vibrant coral pinkish color. But even more exciting was the flavor!  It was sweet, and garlicy, with a zip from the lemon and heat from the chipotle!  Scrumtious, especially with the Terra chips I had bought that inspired it!  I also enjoyed some as a dip for raw green beans and it was fabulous!  Try out this lovely hummus with some chips, or whatever you like to munch on! 

Sweets N Beets Hummus

Makes 3 cups

1 1/2 cups cooked navy beans (canned is fine)

2 cups cooked yam or sweet puree

1 cup cooked beets, diced

3 garlic cloves

1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup almond butter
1/4 cup olive oil

1 Tbsp sea salt or to taste

1 1/2 tsp cumin
1/4-1/2 tsp chipotle powder (depending on how spicy you want it)

freshly ground pepper to taste

water as needed

In a food processor, combine all ingredients and process until smooth, adding water if necessary to thin out. Serve with chips or veggies for dipping, or as a spread on a sandwich!