Is Hummus Paleo-Friendly?

You’ve made the switch to a Paleo diet and now you’re narrowing down your food options. Hummus is an all-time favorite snack for many people and comes in various flavors to zing your taste buds. Whether served with veggies or crackers, it seems to always satisfy the appetite. But is hummus Paleo-friendly? Let’s explore this topic a bit more.

What is Hummus?

Hummus originated in the Middle East and became widely popular throughout the world. It is usually made with simple ingredients like chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, garlic and lemon juice. Simply toss all of these ingredients in a food processor and the result is a delicious spread or dip. And if you need it quickly, you can find it conveniently prepackaged for you in the grocery store.

This yummy food has widely been lauded for its health benefits like reducing inflammation, improving digestive health and aiding in weight loss. Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber which makes it extra appealing.

Can I Eat Hummus on Paleo?

That said, you might be wondering if hummus is an approved Paleo food. Since chickpeas are the main ingredient in hummus, sadly the answer is no. Chickpeas are a legume, like peanuts, which isn’t Paleo-friendly.

Thankfully, there is a workaround option for a hummus recipe. Instead of chickpeas, you can substitute zucchini, cauliflower, macadamia nuts or even cashews.

So if you’re still craving hummus while on Paleo, here is a handy recipe to follow from I Breathe I’m Hungry to ensure you don’t break the rules.

Cauliflower Hummus

Ingredients

• 3 cups raw cauliflower florets
• 2 Tbsp water
• 2 Tbsp avocado or olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 whole garlic cloves
• 1.5 Tbsp Tahini paste
• 3 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 raw garlic cloves, crushed (in addition to above)
• 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt
• smoked paprika and extra olive oil for serving

Combine the cauliflower, water, two tbsp avocado or olive oil, 1/2 tsp kosher salt and three whole garlic cloves to a microwave safe dish. Microwave for about 15 minutes or until softened and darkened in color.

Put the cauliflower mixture into a magic bullet, blender or food processor and blend. Add the tahini paste, lemon juice, two raw garlic cloves, three tbsp olive oil and 3/4 tsp kosher salt. Blend until mostly smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

To serve, place the hummus in a bowl and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika. Use thinly sliced tart apples, celery sticks, raw radish chips or other veggies for dipping.”

More Paleo-Friendly Foods

The goal of Paleo is to focus on whole foods, fruits and vegetables while eliminating grains, dairy and, of course, legumes. If you’re struggling to find foods that qualify for your Paleo plan, some helpful examples are listed below:

• Wild-caught fish and seafood
• Grass-fed meat
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Cabbage
• Sweet potatoes
• Apples
• Bananas
• Grapes
• Pistachios
• Pecans
• Flax seed

So is hummus paleo-friendly? Maybe not in its most well-known form but, like most recipes, it can be modified to abide by the guidelines. With a little research, you will be able to find a version that works for you!