Welcome to another week, friends! I hope you had a fun weekend and that your week ahead is looking like a good one. Philip and I had an easy weekend with no real plans in the books, so we enjoyed our time together and did planning, instead, for future trips.

We’re blessed to be able to travel near and far, going on a few “big” trips each year. Well, this year we’re going on an even “bigger” trip (for us anyway…it’s all relative, isn’t it?) and we’re planning a 2–week long trip to Italy and Greece later this year. Wheee! After our little planning sesh Saturday afternoon at a coffee shop, I am even more excited. There’s still a lot to think through and plan, especially since neither one of us has been before, but the bare bones of our trip are there. Now the fun part of filling it all in can start next. :)

Yesterday was a quiet day for us, too, but I truly love when those idealistic days of reading by the fire, curled up in a blanket with the light streaming in through the window actually happen (even if just for a short time). Ah, it’s pure bliss. Next Sunday may not be as peaceful, what with the Big Game on the horizon! We’re not a football household here, so I could take or leave the game. Honestly, I may vote for watching a Harry Potter movie since we’re currently (slowly) watching all the movies over again while I simultaneously read through my childhood favorite series. Gosh, I had forgotten how addicting these books were! Another reason why I loved said day yesterday: A section of time longer than 20 minutes to read.

Nah, no matter how much I’d rather watch a movie, I’d feel un-American by not turning on the game, if only to watch the commercials so I can be “in the know” the next day at work. :) All that to say, I have the perfect healthy dip for you next weekend, whether you’re into the game, just watching for the commercials, or unashamedly not even watching at all. Green Edamame Avocado Hummus will have even the most skeptical friends digging in for more.

Sure, all the queso and French onion dip are great, but sometimes we need to balance it out. Green Edamame Hummus is simple to whip together in the food processor and comes together in minutes. Don’t let the color scare you, this hummus is loaded with just as much flavor as nutrients.

If you’re unfamiliar with edamame, they’re soybeans that you often see as an appetizer at Asian restaurants. What you may not realize is that edamame is packed with protein, fiber, and as an added bonus, can lower cholesterol and is good for heart health. The avocado adds to the creaminess of the hummus and gives it a boost of healthy fats.

My honest husband’s first comment was, “It doesn’t taste like hummus.” I couldn’t help but laugh and pointed out that it really wasn’t supposed to taste like the roasted red pepper hummus we buy weekly.  While traditional hummus has tahini and chickpeas in it for the protein, flavor, and texture, Green Edamame Avocado Hummus gives the name “hummus” a whole new spin. If you’re looking for something new to dip your veggies into or, no matter how are you try, can’t get your taste buds to like hummus, this hummus may be what you need.

Whether you’re going to a party for the big game next weekend, are looking for a new veggie dip, or simply want a green dip for St. Patrick’s Day, this hummus could not be any more fitting. Enjoy!

Green Edamame Avocado Hummus

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups frozen shelled edamame, thawed
• 1 medium ripe avocado
• 2 cloves garlic
• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 Tablespoons)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 3 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 3 Tablespoons olive oil
• Pita chips and fresh veggies, for serving

Directions:

1. Place the edamame in a microwave safe bowl (I used a glass measuring cup) and microwave until the edamame is softened (about 2–3 minutes, depending on microwave strength)
2. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steal blade, blend the edamame, avocado, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and cilantro until evenly blended.
3. With the food processor running, drizzle in the olive oil and continue blending just until combined, about 15 additional seconds. Taste and add additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve with pita chips and fresh veggies.

Source: Well Plated