Binge On Healthy Snacks This New Year!

Let’s face it, making a conscious effort to eat healthy once a month is easy. Once a week? Maybe. All the time? It might be difficult but the truth is that making healthy eating a sustainable part of your lifestyle is tough. We at Nature’s Basket have brought you the healthiest and tastiest snacks that you can binge on this new year! Read on to jump onto the health train and stay fit and healthy this new year!

1. Honey Garlic Cauliflower

Who doesn’t love a good healthy snack? These little cauliflower florets have just enough crunch and flavour to keep us going.

Ingredients:

• 1 c. all-purpose flour
• 2 c. breadcrumbs
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 1 head cauliflower, chopped into bite-sized florets
• 1/3 c. honey
• 1/3 c. soy sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tbsp.sriracha
• 1/4 c. water
• 2 tsp. cornstarch
• 1/4 c. Sliced scallions

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400° and line a large baking sheet with foil
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and cauliflower, toss until fully coated
3. Set up a dredging station: In one bowl, add panko breadcrumbs and in another bowl whisk the eggs and add 2 tablespoons water
4. Dip cauliflower in beaten eggs, then panko until fully coated
5. Transfer to prepared baking sheet and season generously with salt and pepper
6. Bake until golden and crispy, 20 to 25 minutes
7. Meanwhile, make the sauce:
8. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water, until the cornstarch dissolves completely
9. Set aside. Combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, lime juice, and Sriracha in a small saucepan over medium heat
10. When the mixture reaches a boil, reduce heat and add the cornstarch mixture
11. Bring to simmer again and cook until sauce thickens about 2 minutes.
12. Toss cooked cauliflower in the sauce until evenly coated
13. Return the cauliflower to the baking sheet and broil for 2 minutes
14. Garnish with scallions and serve immediately.

Creamy Garlic Hummus

Startingwith dried chickpeas results in a tastier and smoother hummus. You can eat thisquick, healthy and delicious dip with literally anything and everything.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup. dry chickpeas
• 2 tsp. baking soda, divided
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/2 c. tahini
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 c. olive oil, plus more for topping
• Paprika, for garnish
• Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place chickpeas and 1 tsp.baking soda in a large bowl and cover with water by at least an inch and allow it to soak overnight
2. Preheat oven to 400°. Strain chickpeas and place them in a large pot
3. Now, add the remaining teaspoon of baking soda and cover with water by at least an inch again
4. Allow it to boil.  Then cover and reduce heat. Let simmer until tender and falling apart, 1 hour
5. Skim foam off the top as necessary
6. If using, roast garlic: Cut the top off of the head of garlic
7. Now, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper
8. Wrap in foil and place in a shallow dish
9. Roast until golden and soft, 40 minutes
10. Let cool then remove garlic cloves
11. Drain chickpeas and place in the bowl of a food processor
12. Add garlic, lemon juice, tahini, cumin, salt, red pepper flakes, and pepper
13. Blend until smooth with the food processor running, slowly stream in olive oil until hummus is at the desired consistency
14. Spoon hummus into a bowl and top with olive oil, paprika, and parsley. 

Binge on these healthy recipes at the comfort of your home this new year! To learn more such recipes check out Easy To Cook Healthy Meals