We cannot tell you hummus we love this dish! Chickpeas are one of history’s earliest cultivated legumes for good reason; they’re a delicious source of plant-based protein and they pair perfectly with a wide variety of foods. For this recipe, we’ve blended chickpeas into hummus, spread it inside a pita pocket, and mixed-in eggplant, artichoke hearts, and Lifeway Farmer Cheese. It’s a winning combination. Lifeway Farmer Cheese fills these pockets with probiotics, eggplant loads the meal with antioxidants, and artichoke hearts add folate, magnesium, and potassium. If you’re looking for a hearty lunch that’s heavy on nutrition and full of flavor, these Eggplant Hummus Pita Pockets are exactly what you’re looking for.
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Actually Need to Know
With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.
Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole-fat milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health. Lifeway Farmer Cheese is also a great source of all these nutrients, just in a different format for all the cheese lovers out there.
Prebiotics + Probiotics = A Healthier You
Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates that are a source of fiber that are naturally found in a variety of plant foods[b]. Your body actually can’t digest prebiotics, so they’re what probiotics feed off of to remain actively working in your digestive system. They help the digestive system by promoting the growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics work together in balance to make sure our digestive system stays on track and regular. Research has found that consuming a variety of prebiotic and probiotic food sources may improve your body’s natural functions, including both your immune and digestive systems. Lifeway Oat contains both prebiotics and probiotics for optimal gut and brain health.
Prep Time: 20 mins Servings: 4Ingredients
- 1-2 Pita Pockets
- 1 eggplant
- 1 jar artichoke hearts
- Crumbles of Farmer Cheese
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- For salad:
- 3 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cucumbers, chopped
- 1/2 cup purple cabbage
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
- 1 lemon, juiced
- salt/pepper to taste
- For Hummus:
- 1 can garbanzo beans
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp tahini
- salt/pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp avocado oil (more if hummus is thick)
- Topping: 2 tbsp. more Farmer Cheese
Directions
- Cut eggplant into cubes, toss with olive oil, salt/pepper and roast for 15 minutes at 350 degrees, or until softened.
- Toss all ingredients for the salad.
- Combine all ingredients for the hummus in a mini food processor or blender and blend until creamy.
- Cut open pita pocket, layer in hummus, salad, eggplant, artichoke hearts, and top with farmer cheese crumbles. Enjoy!