Beans make for a great snack. Just a few of the benefits: they are low in calories and fat - they curb cravings - increase your energy - satisfy your appetite - prevent the enzyme alpha-amylase from turning carbs into sugar - block absorption of 2/3 carb calories - boost weight loss up to 230% - are a great plant protein with slow digesting soluble fiber - and are very inexpensive!
For a tasty dip/spread to snack on anytime you've got the munchies here you go - this is more of a "method" or "format" than a recipe because you can change it and make it into really any flavor you're in the mood for. For example: I'll make plain hummus the first day and then I'll switch it up by adding roasted eggplant or roasted red peppers or black olives or sundried tomatoes or roasted garlic (personally, I don't like adding raw garlic because it overpowers the whole thing) or fresh herbs . . . the flavor list is endless!
The basic method is this:
Ingredients:
Cannelini beans (or Northern White beans)
Olive oil
Lemon
Salt & Pepper
Directions:
Rinse beans and throw into food processor or blender. Add juice of whole lemon and salt and pepper to taste. Start with adding about 2 tablespoons of olive oil and then as you blend drizzle in more until hummus starts to become "loose". If you're adding other ingredients (i.e. roasted red peppers, eggplant, garlic, etc.) just throw it all in there at the same time.
Some other tasty flavor combinations: add fresh basil / fresh dill / grilled onions /curry powder / cayenne pepper / tahini (sesame seed paste) / the list is endless
Serve along side for dipping:
Celery sticks
Carrot sticks
Sliced cucumbers
Whole wheat pita