This Hummus will be a perfect make-ahead treat for your ghosts and goblins – whether they are out being spooky or having fun answering the door. This recipe shakes up the tried and true just a little bit. No beans, instead we’re using olive oil for creaminess and topping our beet mixture with yogurt and Za’atar, a spice blend that may be new to you!

We’re highlighting the thyme in the tangy Za’atar seasoning blend this week. Not only is thyme an essential ingredient in our healthy kitchen but it is a nutrition powerhouse because it is packed with minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health. Its leaves are one of the richest sources of potassium, iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, and selenium. And its volatile oils have scientifically been found to have antiseptic and anti-fungal characteristics.

Luscious Beet Hummus

• 2 LBs Beets
• 3 Garlic Cloves, grated or minced
• 1 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 Tsp Honey
• 3 TB Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper
• 1 Cup Nonfat Greek Yogurt
• 1 TB ***Za’atar
• 4 Green Onions, Chopped
• 1/4 Cup Chopped Pistachios
• 1/4 Cup Crumbled Goat Cheese
• 1 Seeded and Chopped Tomato

Step One

Preheat the oven to 400F. Wash the beets well, and remove the roots and greens. Wrap them in aluminum foil and cook them for about an hour, or until soft. Remove and cool, then remove the skin and coarsely chop.

Step Two

Put the beets, garlic, red pepper, honey and olive oil in a food processor, and puree until smooth. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper. Spread the dip out on a large platter.

Step Three

In a small bowl, wish together the yogurt with the zataar. Swirl the yogurt mixture over the top of the beet mixture. Garnish with the onions, pistachios, goat cheese and tomato.

**Za’atar is a Middle Eastern seasoning blend that is made with thyme, Sumac, sea salt, and sesame seeds. To make your own, just combine 2 TB of Thyme, 1 Tsp of Sumac, 1/2 Tsp of Sea Salt and 1 TB of Sesame Seeds. No Sumac? Just substitute a 1/2 Tsp lemon zest.

Sumac is a beautiful red spice that is used in Middle Eastern foods. Tangy with a lemony flavor, it’s a great addition to many recipes, especially beans and other foods that need a zip of flavor and color.

We made our own Pita Chips to dip with this yummy hummus. Cut a package of Whole Grain Pita Pockets into triangles. Spray or drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning, salt and pepper. Our seasoning was sumac on some of the chips, and za’atar on others. Slide into a 400F oven until crispy and browned. Better than any Pita Chips you can buy!