TASTY TUESDAYS // Hummus Veggie Stack

Vegan and gluten-free grillin’. Grilled veggie stack with lemon hummus.

• 1 large red or purple onion, peeled, trimmed, sliced into 6 slices
• 2 large red bell peppers, cored, sliced into 3 pieces
• 2 large yellow bell peppers, cored, sliced into 3 pieces
• 1 large zucchini, halved, sliced lengthwise, to make 6 pieces
• 1 large yellow squash, halved, sliced lengthwise, to make 6 pieces
• 1 medium-large eggplant, trimmed, sliced into 6 pieces
• 6 large portobello mushroom caps, stemmed, gills removed
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon each: dried thyme, dill, parsley
• Sea salt and ground pepper, to taste

For serving:

• Lemon Hummus– recipe below
• Fresh chopped chives

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl combine the onion, bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, portobello mushrooms.
2. In a glass cup combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, thyme, dill and parsley. Pour the marinade over the vegetables. Season with sea salt and ground pepper, to taste. Gently toss to coat.
3. Cover and marinate for one hour.
4. Heat the grill to medium-high heat.
5. Place the veggies in a grill basket (or spread out the veggies on a large sheet of foil). Place on the hot grill, cover and cook until the vegetables are tender crisp, about 20-25 minutes, depending upon the size of your grill.
6. Remove the veggie basket/foil with vegetables to a large platter and set aside.
7. To serve, create a vegetable stack. Place the portobello mushroom cap on a serving plate and layer it with a spoonful of lemon hummus. Add the eggplant, peppers, zucchini and onion. Top with a dab of more hummus, if desired. Sprinkle with fresh chopped chives. Repeat for the remaining five servings.

Lemon Hummus

Hummus is so easy to make at home- especially if you have a food processor. Five minutes prep- and you’re ready to roll. Tip: Chill the can of chick peas beforehand if your kitchen pantry gets hot in summer.

Ingredients:

1. 1 14-ounce can chilled chickpeas aka garbanzo beans, drained, reserve liquid
2. Juice and zest of one big fresh lemon
3. 2 tablespoons sesame tahini or almond butter
4. 1 clove fresh garlic, peeled, crushed
5. Pinch of sea salt, to taste
6. 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

1. Combine the chickpeas, lemon juice, lemon zest, tahini, garlic and sea salt in a food processor. Pulse briefly to combine.
2. Turn on the processor and pour in the olive oil, and a dash of the reserved liquid, and process until creamy smooth.
3. Scoop into a serving bowl. Cover and chill until serving.
4. Serve this lemony hummus layered in grilled vegetable stacks (recipe above) or as a protein-rich condiment to your favorite grilled dishes and gluten-free grains.