Cauliflower Hummus

If you run in a similar social media circle I'm sure you have heard "Cauliflower is the new kale!" Well, how about, "Cauliflower is the new garbanzo bean!"? Perhaps not quite as catchy, but I will explain why that is my phrase of the day. 

Hummus has been off the table for me since I began my Primal Health Coach certification and I learned more about legumes. Legumes (in particular lentils) CAN BE quite healthy for some people (when soaked, sprouted, and cooked  low and slow), but they can be problematic  for those suffering from a leaky gut.  If you are on the journey to heal your body you might want to take a break from legumes. They are high in carbs, which means a heightened insulin response and despite what you may hear to the contrary, they are not a good source of protein (a 1/2 cup serving has around 20g carbs and 4-9g protein). Legumes also contain an anti-nutrient called saponin which acts as a soap-like chemical defense for the legume plants. Saponins, when ingested by humans, can create pores on the surface of the cells they contact, even permeating the gut cell membrane. When saponins enter the bloodstream via a leaky gut they can interfere with how red blood cells process oxygen (hemolysis).  

If you love hummus but want to avoid the beans, I suggest trying steamed cauliflower. It's really quite creamy and tasty!  Plus, it feels very healthy to dip veggies in puréed veggies. 

Tip: I use my Instant Pot to steam cauliflower. Add 1 1/2 cup water to the pot, roughly chop the cauliflower and place in a steamer basket. Select manual, five minutes, and do a quick release when the time is up.