What is 4:1 Hummus? It’s a keto ratio-recipe (and keto diet used for therapeutic purposes) where for every four grams of fat there is one gram of protein plus carbs (i.e. 80-percent fat by weight in grams). It’s also totally hummus-like and creamy-delicious! From The New Mediterranean Diet Cookbook by Martina Slajerova, Dr. Nicholas Norwitz, Thomas DeLauer, and Rohan Kashid, it’s a real winner that you’ll want to make again and again. “The 4 parts fat to 1 part protein plus carbs diet is an extra-fatty ketogenic diet used to treat neurological disorders. This ‘hummus’ was contributed by Dr. Chris Palmer, a Harvard psychiatrist and the world’s leading expert on using ketogenic diets for mental health. Dr. Palmer says, ‘The 4:1 diet can be difficult to follow, but delicious recipes like this one make it easier. Keep a batch of this spread on hand in your fridge: it’s delicious on anything. Its versatility is what makes it such a powerful medical treatment!’”Read our full book review and find more of their recipes here or scroll on to learn how to prepare this spread of 4:1 fabulousness that goes great with sliced cucumber, zucchini, or daikon or just a spoon![Reprinted with permission from The New Mediterranean Diet Cookbook (2021; Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc.) Photo credit: Martina Slajerova and Jo Harding.]
Ingredients List
TO SOAK
- 1 cup (4.7 oz) macadamia nuts
TO ROAST
- 2 medium (400 g/14.1 oz) zucchini
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin avocado oil
TO BLEND
- 1/4 cup (2.2 oz) tahini
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro
- salt and black pepper, to taste
TOPPING
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- pinch of paprika and/or ground cumin
- 1 Tbsp (9 g/0.3 oz) white and/or black sesame seeds
Instructions
- To soak: Place the macadamia nuts in a bowl and add enough filtered water to cover them. Soak for about 2 hours, and then drain and discard the water.
- To roast: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C) fan assisted or 355°F (180°C) conventional. Cut off the ends of the zucchini and cut in half lengthwise.
- Arrange on a baking tray, cut-side up, and brush with the avocado oil. Bake for 30 minutes or until browned on top.
- To blend: Add all the ingredients, apart from the topping ingredients, to a food processor. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a bowl and add the topping: drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with paprika and sesame seeds. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To defrost, place in the fridge overnight.
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Credits
PhotographyMartina Slajerova and Jo Harding
Are the macadamia nuts raw?
Yes, they are raw.
This hummus was amazing!!! I didn’t know whether I should peel the zucchini or not but left the skin on. I also added some extra garlic cloves. It is sooooo good!! I also added some red pepper flakes for spice. Mine turned out green maybe because of the skin. I will definitely be making this again.
A HUGE hit!!!
Had not eaten hummus since I started keto almost a year ago. Made this recipe for a dinner party yesterday and hands down was voted “best in show” even by the non-keto folks. DELICIOUS!!!
Definitely adding to my “go to” keto recipes!
Totally over-delivers on your expectations, right?!
Totally!!