Mediterranean Delicacies – Hummus

I have loved good Hummus for a few years now, even though I was a bit hesitant at first. The pale, creamy ‘paste’ didn’t seem like it would be something I would fall in love with at first taste, but that’s exactly what happened. I started eating it on/with anything and everything to the point that I could not look another bowl of hummus in the face. I hadn’t eaten hummus for about a year until Mediterranean Delicacies sent me a tub of their hummus and I wasn’t too excited to work with it, I have to be honest. I felt uninspired and didn’t know what to do with it, other than use it as a spread or a dip for crudite (which is what I normally used it for). When I opened the tub the smell of chickpeas, tahini and garlic hit me and as I tasted it, it felt as if a whole world unfolded in front of me. Unlike a few year’s ago when I was still slightly inexperienced when it came to recipe development, I now had a plethora of recipe ideas I could play with. The MD hummus has a lovely smooth texture and a subtle garlic taste which means that unlike some other brands, it’s not overpowering.

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Enjoy summer picnics with Mediterranean Delicacies

Going for a picnic is a great way to enjoy the South Africa weather during the summer. One of the most important parts of planning an enjoyable picnic is choosing the ideal location. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is one of Cape Town’s most famous picnic destinations. Founded in 1913, this 528-hectare garden features more than 7,000 species of plant life, many of which are rare or threatened. After enjoying a picnic, visitors to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden can explore the walking paths that run throughout the area or some of the featured exhibits.

Another essential aspect of any picnic is selecting the best foods to take along. Mediterranean food is ideal for a picnic because it is easy to prepare, portable and healthy. Foods that fit into a Mediterranean lifestyle are lighter and provide a good source of energy. Mediterranean food is also versatile. Here are two recipes from our summer series that can be used to as the base to any picnic lunch.

HUMMUS WRAPS
Servings: 4

• 1 cup Mediterranean Delicacies hummus.
• 4 sun-dried tomato wraps
• 5 grams of any deli-style meat
• Vegetables

Spread each wrap with 1/4 cup of hummus. Place any vegetables desired on top of the hummus, red peppers and lettuce will add a pleasing crunch. Add a thin layer of deli meat on top of the vegetables and roll up the wrap. This dish can be served whole, or sliced into pinwheels for a unique appetizer.

Hummus wraps are easy to customize, every ingredient can be altered to suit individual tastes. Vegetarians can simply leave out the meat and someone who loves spicy food could use a Mediterranean Delicacies jalapeno hummus for more kick. Hummus will not make a wrap soggy like mayonnaise does which makes this dish a wonderful replacement for the standard picnic sandwich.

HUMMUS CHICKEN SALAD
Servings: 4

• 1/2 cup Mediterranean Delicacies hummus
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon finely diced green onion
• 1 tablespoon finely diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cubed or shredded chicken, cooked
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ground pepper to taste
• 8 slices of ciabatta bread

In a large mixing bowl, combine first four ingredients and mix well. Add salt, chicken, lemon juice and pepper. Stir contents of bowl until well-blended.

Spread the hummus mixture on four pieces of bread. Use the remaining bread to complete the sandwiches. Place in cooler or picnic basket with cold packs to prevent spoiling. Alternatively, the hummus chicken salad can be placed in a covered dish and packed along with crackers. Top the crackers with the salad for a light appetizer or snack.

Picnics that feature Mediterranean food do not have to revolve around hummus. There are many other summer recipes that can be adjusted to reflect a Mediterranean lifestyle. Mediterranean Delicacies has a wide range of dips that are perfect for picnic trips: Chicken liver pate, smoked caviar, olive tapenade and tzatziki are just a few items that can easily be packed into a cooler or basket for an outdoor meal. After choosing the location and food for a picnic all that is left to do is spend time with family and friends, and enjoy the beautiful summer weather.

Two Oceans Marathon diet tips:

It's no secret where the Zohan gets his energy from: Plenty of Humus! Humus is loaded with nutrients that can contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Include this in your diet by using it as spread on sandwiches and wraps, as dressing to your salad or pasta, as dip for raw vegetables, or as side dish for main courses. The map below will help you out with finding your nearest supermarket.

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If you still have problems getting hold of some Humus, then gives us a call on 0861 114 478. Otherwise you can give this simple diet a go:

Thursday 21st April:

If you want a traditional pasta party, the time to do it is 2 nights before the marathon. Do not overeat. Reduce caffeine and alcohol consumption. Drink plenty of water. A giant bowl of pasta and a huge salad with lots of roughage are not recommended - you need moderation.

Friday 22nd April:

Eliminate any high fiber foods and foods that cause gas, such as beans, broccoli, bran cereals, etc. If you are lactose intolerant, eliminate milk products. If spicy foods speed up your gut, eliminate them. Stick with low-residue foods and eat only enough to satisfy your basal metabolism. Eliminate alcohol and reduce caffeine to the bare minimum.

Saturday 23rd April, RACE DAY:

Many marathoners can't eat anything before the starting gun. Whatever you choose for breakfast should be bland and high in carbohydrates and easy to digest. If you must have some coffee, have as little as possible. Drink a large glass of water 1-2 hours before the start and have nothing more to drink until the starting gun. That starts you off well-hydrated but gives you enough time to eliminate any extra.

If you still find that the going gets tough come race day, then look out for Mediterranean Delicacies on the sidewalk.