Avocado and Chickpea Hummus with Pomegranate Seeds
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”
Mohandas Gandhi
There is something extremely important I would like to talk about today. It is a subject that I avoid because I write a food blog and never want my readers to feel helpless or guilty about their lifestyle choices.
But today I want to speak frankly about the food industry and animal abuse.
First, I would like to say, I am not sure that people realize the extent of animal cruelty in the dairy, egg and meat industry, because I know so many compassionate people who continue to support these industries by serving this food to their family.
I also don't believe that people fully understand the scope of disease-ridden, steroid pumped and genetically modified animals that they are consuming. I don't even want to discuss the gory details, but what I would like to discuss is the high cost of our avoidance to ourselves and our children.
Let's begin with the abuse of animals.
We all know the videos are on youtube, and no one is arguing that the abuse exists. The industry and some people believe those animals like cows, chickens and pigs – are not worthy of the same compassion we extend to household pets like dogs and cats.
All animals including pigs, cows and chickens feel pain and fear just like we do but, unfortunately, they can't speak up for themselves.
Human beings have to be advocates for these poor, defenseless animals who are being treated inhumanely and tortured. We can no longer look away or teach our children to pretend it doesn't exist.
The fate of animals and allowing them to suffer will eventually be connected to the fate of all men and women.
When people become indifferent to the pain and inhumane treatment of animals, eventually they will become indifferent to the pain of human beings. Always remember, the animals of the world don't exist for us to eat.
There are many things we can all do about it.
Most importantly, plant the seeds of kindness in children early. By not supporting the industries that are torturing animals, you are sending your child a strong message about compassion and humanity.
One of the easiest things you could do is just stop eating animals. Being vegan might start out as a lonely journey but remember there are thousands of others on this journey.
You and your family can unleash your compassion on the world and make a monumental impact on society and your family's future.
This avocado and chickpea hummus makes use of the pomegranate seed also known as “God's Fruit.”
In almost every religion, the pomegranate has been used as a symbol of humanity's most fundamental beliefs and desires. To the Jews, the pomegranate represents righteousness, to the Christians, it means life and hope of eternal life.
It seemed fitting for the upcoming holidays. Hope you enjoy this avocado and chickpea hummus as much as I did. I wish you all a happy Easter and Passover and hope it is full of compassion for yourself, the animals of the world and the human race.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- Juice of 2 lemons, separated
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 2 cups drained cooked chickpeas, rinsed (or fresh cooked)
- 6 tablespoons of tahini
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup vegetable broth
- 3 ripe avocados, cut into chunks
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds for garnish
- Poppy seeds for garnish
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small saute pan. Add 2-3 garlic cloves and simmer over low heat until tender being careful not to burn.
- Place garlic confit, mustard and juice of 1 lemon in food processor. Pulse until smooth.
- Add chickpeas, tahini, vegetable broth, salt and pepper. Process until smooth. If it is too thick, add a little more vegetable broth.
- Move to a bowl. Without cleaning the processor, add the avocado, olive oil and remaining lemon juice. Process until smooth.
- Fold avocado puree into chickpea puree and stir. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
- Place in a bowl and garnish with pomegranate seeds and poppy seeds.
- Serve with vegetables or pita bread.
I love watching “Nature” on PBS.
The Animal Kingodm is wondrous and sacred. It is an extraordinary example of the diversity of life. If we must eat animals, the killing should be humane, and their living conditions should be clean and natural to the animals nature. For example, buying organically fed, free range eggs. Factory chicken and egg farms, crowd hens into cages and they are packed so tightly, one on top of the other, they can hardly move. Both cruel and unsanitary, there is no reason for this, outside of disregard for the poor birds right to freedom on movement and profit These practices should be illegal. Why do humans have to eat dolphin? Or even monkey meat? No respect for the rights of other species ? And glutinous consumption of “delicacy”-Think about it. For a while………
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words reminding people not to forget the millions animals suffering every day on factory farms. The recipe sounds great, too!
I can’t see how much garlic to use. Could you add this to the recipe?
Hi Suszi – I so apologize – I use 3 garlic cloves but if you don’t like garlic as much as I do, you can use two. Thanks for pointing out that error and have a wonderful day!