Pineapple Serrano Hummus

After all the holiday eating – and yes, I know we are close to the finish line; but not there yet, because New Year’s is not quite here. In any case, you might start to think about something healthy and I’m all for healthy, especially when it tastes good! So if you need a dip for the new year or an incredible spread for your sandwich, well you need go no further. I will admit that I am not a huge fan of hummus, unless it is good hummus. Unless I am in Israel hummus. Or unless I made Ottolenghi’s hummus. Well that is, until I also made this hummus. As part of the Food Blogger Blast Party 2016 Rose Parade, Ally Phillips, who is the Dole Blog ambassador gave a few of us this recipe to try and I must say she nailed it. I love this hummus.The texture and flavor of this hummus, with a bit of heat from serrano peppers and a subtle sweetness from Dole® pineapple, will leave guests clamoring for more.  I served it with pita chips and lime tortilla chips and this stuff kills; in a very good way.

Thank you Ally Phillips of What’s for Dinner/Ally’s Kitchen for this great recipe. Dole California Cook-Off Champion Ally Phillips of Ally’s Kitchen, will perform live cooking demonstrations and share quick and fun recipes featuring Dole Packaged Foods’ products. At “Live on Green”, Angelenos and visitors from around the world will explore 100,000 square feet of free entertainment, unique and rare exhibitions, and fun activities, as well as indulge in healthy snacks and beverages at the Dole Bistro. Wish I could go!

 

If you find yourself like me, plunking down in front of the TV on New Near’s Day to watch the parade, make sure you have a plate of this spicy sweet hummus beside you. Believe it or not I’ve watched the Rose Bowl Parade since I was a kid and this year the Dole float is one I won’t want to miss. The Dole LLC float is called, “Soaring Over Paradise,” and explores the world’s rain forests. The float includes four waterfalls, a zip line that travels through the rain forest canopy and a flock of macaws that appear to take flight over the floral gardens. If I were in Pasadena, I would make sure to attend Live on Green where families are invited to indulge in food, entertainment and fun activities at the free three-day event in Downtown Pasadena, Dec. 29 and 30 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Dec. 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pasadena Conference Center.

No, I’m not there. Ally is there. So the next best thing is creating a bit of paradise at home. Start with this. What a great healthy way to begin a new year!

 

Pineapple Serrano Hummus
Serves: 4-6
From: Ally Phillips-Dole Blogger Ambassador
Time to make: About 15 minutes
Ingredients:
1 8 ox can Dole crushed pineapple
4 garlic cloves, peeled
1 T serrano pepper, finely chopped (about 1 or 2 if you are like me)
1 15 oz can garbanzo beans, drained but reserve liquid
1-1/2 t sea salt
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 /2 c tahini
Garnishes: extra virgin olive oil, sesame seeds, paprika (all optional)
Directions:
Combine pineapple, garlic, serrano pepper, 1/4 c reserved liquid from garbanzo beans, salt, lemon juice and tahini in food processor. Cover and blend until smooth. Garnish with your choice of garnishes. I added a bit of chopped Italian parsley and toasted some sesame seeds to give it some extra “nuttiness”.