Hummus Sandwich-School Lunch Box Idea

This sandwich would go perfectly in a school lunch box with carrots sticks, soy yogurt and fresh fruit. 

I had some Nature Own's wheat Sandwich Rounds in the freezer for eggplant dip but figured putting together hummus would be just as filling and less time consuming.

Spread the hummus on toasted bread with lettuce, tomato, or any other topping you wish.

If you try this recipe, let me know what you think. :-)

Hummus

by Brown Vegan

Prep Time: 10

Keywords: vegan chickpeas

Ingredients (serves 4)

• (2) 15 oz can chickpeas, drained
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon sesame tahini (sesame paste)
• 1 garlic clove, chopped OR 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup water
• Paprika, to garnish

Instructions

Put all ingredients (except paprika) in a blender or food processor and blend together until smooth. Make sure to scrape down the ingredients on the side of the blender/food processor container. If necessary, add in 1/2 teaspoon at a time of olive oil to make the hummus smooth.

Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle on paprika.

Serve on Nature Own's Sandwich Rounds, crackers, or with fresh vegetables.

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Song playing while I prepped the hummus....

Gerald & Eddie Levert-Baby Hold on to Me

Lunch Box Tip# 1: Fresh Fruit, Veggies and Dips

I know how hectic life can get and making school lunches can sometimes complicate our daily obligations further. Last school year, I fell off the wagon big time by allowing the boys to eat their lunches at school to save time on preparation.  This idea busted our wallets (3 kids eating school lunch every day-yikes!) and they often complained about the quality of school food.

Over the summer, I decided that a system needed to be in place to ensure healthy, fast lunches without the hassle. 

Lunch Box Tip #1

Keep plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables on hand - Fresh fruit and vegetables are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, are easy to store, don’t require refrigeration, and will keep your child full longer than empty calories from junk food.

The fruit and vegetable options are endless, and with many children loving to dip their food, finding healthy dips is also essential to spark their interest.

Almond butter and pears are a sweet alternative to cookies and snack cakes.

The Justin's brand pictured here is made from roasted almonds, maple sugar, fruit oil, and sea salt.

16 oz of almond butter will run about $7 but I only have to purchase it every other month because we don't eat it every day.  You store it in the pantry like peanut butter and it's also great on toast and crackers.

Other great dips for any fruit: peanut butter, coconut milk yogurt and chocolate fruit dip

Hummus with Carrots & Flat bread

Make your own hummus in about 5 minutes

Ingredients:

1 can of garbanzo beans

1 small clove of garlic

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

2 tbsp tahini (found in the natural or international aisle at most grocery stores)

½ tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

Directions:

Drain half of the water from the beans and put the rest in a food processor or blender with beans and remaining ingredients.  Blend well.

Serve with fresh vegetables or flat bread.

Other dipping options with any vegetable: peanut butter, salad dressing, and eggplant dip.

Next week’s lunch box tip #2: Save money and give your child better health with stainless steel water bottles.

Do you have an idea you would like me to feature on this lunch box series? Leave a comment below or talk to me @brownvegan on Twitter.

Vegan While Out: Ben's Next Door (Washington, DC)

Ben's Chili Bowl is a DC landmark; a black owned business established in 1958. Located on the fabulous U St. corridor, there is a little something for herbivores and omnivores alike.

In 2009, Ben's Next Door was established as a sit down restaurant and bar, which is literally next door.



I started off with the vegan chili-Fab!

Most restaurants post their menus online, so don't forget to check it out before leaving your home.



Be pleasant with the wait staff - I've been around vegetarians/vegans who are downright nasty when their order doesn't come out as expected.  Make sure to be specific with your server about your needs. Also, be sure to tip well, especially if the server went above and beyond to accommodate your request.

Happy vegan dining!