Sunday, December 22, 2013

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus in Cucumber Cups


These little cucumber cups stuffed with roasted red pepper hummus are the perfect little red and green appetizers for Christmas.  Not only are these little bites festive, but they're so healthy you don't have to feel guilty about popping them in your mouth.  At all!  They're also incredibly tasty.  The cucumber cups are crunchy and fresh and the hummus is creamy and smooth with hints of garlic and red pepper.  This would be a great addition to any holiday table! 

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus in Cucumber Cups 
Recipe by Giada De Laurentiis
Makes 4-6 servings

1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans (white kidney beans), rinsed and drained
½ cup diced, jarred roasted red bell peppers
1 tablespoon tahini (sesame seed paste)
1 large garlic clove, peeled
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (from ½ small lemon)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra, to taste
Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
2 hot house cucumbers, ends trimmed
Fresh parsley, cilantro or mint leaves

In a food processor, combine the beans, peppers, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt and cayenne pepper, if using. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl if needed. Season with salt, to taste. Transfer the hummus to a small bowl.

Run the tines of a fork down the length of each cucumber several times, turning to make ridges about 1/8-inch deep in the skin all the way around. Cut cucumbers crosswise into 1-inch rounds, for a total of at least 12. Using the smaller end of a melon baller or a round measuring spoon, scoop out the center of each cucumber round to form a hollow. Use a small spoon to fill each cup with hummus, mounding slightly over the top. Tuck a small fresh parsley, cilantro or mint leaf into the side of the filling as a garnish.

Arrange the cups on a platter and serve.
 MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

11 comments:

  1. I love serving food in edible dishes :) This looks great!

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  2. Ooo love these appetizer bites!! Especially because they're so good for you!

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  3. Nice! A good appetizer for anytime of year.

    Merry Christmas to you and your family.

    Velva

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  4. Inspired! I am sooo making these for Christmas Day knoshing! Terrific idea, Kim!

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  5. Yum! I have these tagged to make in her Feel Good Food cookbook. (but I went with the cheesy tomato dip hah!) ;-) Cucumber and hummus is such a good pairing and I love the festive red and green colors. I would probably not let anyone else near the serving plate!

    Merry Christmas to you and your family Kim!

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  6. What pretty and festive appetizers, and healthy too. Who could resist them? I certainly wouldn't be able to...I've bookmarked the recipe.

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  7. Love how this looks plated and I also like that it gives a healthy option for apps. Hard to come by that this time of year. Hope you and your family had a nice Christmas. Happy New Year, Kim!

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  8. Kim, I just love the idea of a red pepper hummus, and in the little cucumber cups - that is such a gorgeously, festive way to serve it, and healthy too. Wish I'd exercised a little more restraint over the festive season and opted for some treats like this.

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  9. Thanks to share this post.cayenne pepper is a very good product.

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