Like most weekends, this past one came and went way too fast. I spent a large part of mine totally engrossed in a new book that finally came in for me at the library. That’s right – the library. Maybe it’s not a big deal to most people, but up until a few months ago, I had completely forgotten about the option to borrow a book, for FREE, before deciding whether or not I actually want to pony up the money for it. I may not have loved the library as a kid, but I sure do appreciate it now.
The vast majority of the time, I’ll borrow cookbooks and read them as if they’re captivating novels. I seldom make the actual recipes, but they definitely inspire my meals, and if nothing else, I just drool over the photos.
The book that took over my life this past weekend was one that I had initially written off because of the words “diet” and “cleanse” on the cover, but fortunately, I was inspired by Kait of YogaBeautyLife to give it a second look. Kris Carr’s Crazy Sexy Diet is much more of a lifestyle change than a fad cleanse, and she encourages a style of eating that I would consider several steps ahead of my day-to-day eating: vegan, mostly vegetables and some fruit, with little to no processed carbs or sugar. That last one is the kicker for me. I have a very demanding sweet tooth!
I’m still working my way through the book and soaking in everything (there is a ton of information from everything to food, to exercise, to supplements and body products), but I wanted to kick off this week with a recipe that’s more in line with the style of eating that makes me feel best. Plus, anything that involves chickpeas is a win in my book.
I didn’t have a specific flavor profile in mind when I set out to make this hummus, just that I really wanted to use capers. Somehow though, the combination of the briny capers, smoked paprika, and creamy tahini came together to create what I would consider an awesome substitue for tuna salad. Yep, I don’t know how it happened, but it did. And while I can’t say that I’ve ever craved tuna fish since going vegan, I will say that this hummus is pretty damn crave-worthy.
Start soaking your chickpeas now.
- 3 C. Cooked Chickpeas
- ¼ C. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- ⅓ C. + 2 Tbs. Water
- 3 Tbs. Capers
- 2 Tbs. Tahini
- Juice of 2 Lemons
- 1 Tsp. Smoked Paprika
- In your food processor, add the chickpeas, olive oil, water, capers, tahini, lemon juice, and smoked paprika.
- Process for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides, until the hummus reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve with a sprinkle of smoked paprika and some baked tortilla chips, as a dip for veggie sticks, or as a spread on a sandwich.
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Have you read Kris Carr’s Crazy Sexy Diet? If so, what are your thoughts?
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
I totally forgot about (dismissed?) public libraries until senior year of college when I realized I could rent all the smut I wanted to help me get through finals. I also fell in love with the faux fireplace and old structure and it became my new work spot.
Ok now that I’ve gotten that out of the way…
OMGOSH I’M SO EXCITED YOU GOT CSD AND ARE READING IT AND LINKED TO ME!
*breathes* In other words, thanks for the shout-out. I’m off to make your kale salad now <–my original reason for stopping by.
Oh and that hummus…it needs to happen in my life asap. Nom nom nom
Finally (seriously I'm shutting up after this), let me know if you wanna chat about any of the content of CSD.
Happy to give you a shout-out! I’m attempting Day 1 today, and so far, so good! I don’t think I’ve ever had this much produce in my fridge! My stomach definitely feels empty (I did the whole lemon/cayenne water, tea, and green smoothie for breakfast), but I’m not really hungry, if that makes any sense. I’m sure I’ll be emailing you at some point, like maybe when my sweet tooth goes nuts after dinner tonight. haha
Wow you got started fast! I went crazy a couple of days with the “no chewing before lunch” thing…it was all psychological because I was not hungry. Some days I subbed in oatmeal if I just needed something warm and comforting. And yes the empty stomach thing makes sense!
I’m the SAME way at night. I’ve ditched my post-lunch dessert habit (herbal tea + fruit a little later) but at night…sometimes boxes of cereal disappear. Just. like. that.
Good luck and keep us updated!
It’s crazy how cereal does that.
I can’t for the life of me figure it out. Teheh
Ooooooo yum!!! Smoked paprika is my FAVORITE!!!!!
I did enjoy Kris Carrs book but it hasn’t been my life changer if you know what I mean?!
xxoo
I know exactly what you mean. It’s tough to find an eating plan that works for YOU! So far, I’m liking her “diet”, but I’ve always known that I tend to feel best when I’m eating tons of mostly raw produce. We’ll see what happens tonight when the bag of chocolate chips starts calling my name…
I have to check out that book (literally- like at the library even!). I am such a geek for the latest healthy body/healthy eating book.
I made hummus yesterday too- and I have a half-full jar of capers in my fridge! This makes me want to throw the hummus back in the vitamix and add the capers and let it go! (I’m sure it would work!).
I’m the same way with health books, and I’m really enjoying the CSD book so far. I highly recommend checking it out!
Try the capers – I’m kind of obsessed with them in hummus. Next up on my hummus list is mixing in some kalamata olives!
I definetely do the same thing with cookbooks. Often I barely cook anything from it but I’m always inspired and learn something from the book. Except the most recent one I purchased I’ve cooked 5 or 6 things from it! This hummus sounds salty and delicious, I love briny foods!
How I WISH I could cut out a lot of the carbs I eat… It’s a really bad habit that I need to break. Maybe I’ll go find myself a copy of that book. You should do updates to say how it’s going for you.
This hummus looks wonderful. I really need to start making my own so I’m not buying $8 worth of hummus every week… It’s also not a good habit to be in!
Carbs/sugar are definitely my downfall – they’re what I reach for whenever I’m stressed or short on time. I’m planning on doing a little update later in the week, but so far, so good! Granted, it’s only been like a day and a half…
Homemade hummus is where it’s at!
I adore kalamata olives in my hummus but THIS is a really interesting combo and I think I will definitely love it. I’ll be making it this week.
Let me know how it turns out!
LOVE Kris Carr…she is my inspiration for getting on a healthier path. I’ve been meaning to get her newest book, thanks for the reminder!
I don’t think Ive ever had capers, but I need to try them! What do they taste like?
Capers have a very distinct taste…the closest thing I of can think of would be similar to olives. The ones that I buy are packed in vinegar, so they add a nice salty bite! You have to give them a try!
Im not a big olive fan, but maybe there is still hope for them
what is Tahini? I have never seen or hear of it. Where at the store would I find it. This sounds awesome. I can’t wait to try it.
Thanks.
Tahini is sesame seed paste. I bought it at Whole Foods, but most stores should carry it.
I love Crazy Sexy Diet! Kris Carr is such an inspiration. I never did the 21-day cleanse but I like to incorporate her advice into every day living. I know I always feel at my best when I’m eating mostly raw veggies, etc. but it can be tough sometimes… I mean, somebody has to taste test the recipes for my dessert blog, right?
Exactly! I’m actually struggling with that a little right now – trying to find a good balance between following the 21-day cleanse, but coming up with recipes for my blog. It’s a good challenge though and it’s getting me outside of my dessert comfort zone.
I love capers, never thought to use them like this. Thanks for the great recipe.
I can’t wait to make hummus! I’ve been wanting to make it for a long time, thanks for sharing
No problem! Homemade hummus trumps store-bought any day!
This looks delicious I’m going to try it!
This is one of my favorite hummus recipes! I also recommend the cool ranch hummus: http://www.picklesnhoney.com/2012/07/26/vegan-cool-ranch-hummus/
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