You’re wondering if you can eat hummus while doing the Daniel Fast. Yes, you can and lots of it! The only caveat is that traditional hummus is made with olive oil, and oils are not permitted on the Daniel Fast. But don’t panic: the great news is that hummus can be made without oil and without compromising the delicious creamy taste.
“Hummus is the chickpeas that believed in miracles”
—author unknown
Just Make it Yourself
Most store-bought hummus is made with oil and other preservatives, so making it at home is the better option. The ingredients are easy to find, and it is super simple to make. With just a few common ingredients and a food processer, you can have your own oil-free hummus in minutes. It’s that simple. Hummus is allowed on the Daniel fast because it is centered around whole plant foods like chickpeas (or garbanzo beans).
Tap the power of the pea
As a part of the bean family, chickpeas are a great source of fiber and protein. Plus chickpeas contain folate, iron, potassium, zinc, and magnesium. That’s why eating a diet rich in chickpeas and other beans is associated with lower rates of heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
What’s more, the phytates in chickpeas may also be protective against osteoporosis. One study suggests that low phytate consumption is a risk factor for this condition that makes bones brittle and weak.
More hummus options
Not only is it healthy, it’s fun! That’s because you can also make hummus out of white (cannellini) beans, black beans, and even black-eyed peas.
Plus hummus is very versatile in that it can be dinner or dessert. It can be made with chickpeas, tahini, spices and garlic for a savory hummus. Or you can make a hummus that is a sweet treat for dessert—with dates, mint, and cocoa (or carob) powder.
The options are endless when flavoring hummus. You can add sundried tomatoes, preserved lemons, roasted peppers, jalapeños, cilantro, chipotles...and the list goes on. So if you’re in the middle of a Daniel fast or you are just about to start, be sure to add hummus to Daniels’s plate.