Since we’ve already seen that beans can very happily take a place on the dessert platter, why does it still seem like such a strange concept?  Even I cringed a bit at the first suggestion of a “dessert hummus,” fearful of a flat out beany, semi-sweet, muddle of a spread.  True, this is nothing you’d want to serve on cut veggies or smeared in the middle of a tofu sandwich, but it turns out that the idea isn’t completely crazy.  Merely serving as a base for flavor, providing more bulk than flavor, the chickpeas happily disappear into the background when properly masked with a more powerful taste sensation, like… Chocolate, perhaps?

Before you go “Ewww!” and flick away to the next blog, hear me out: How different is this from tofu cheesecake?  Or lentil cookies?  Seriously, just give the combination of cocoa and chickpeas a chance.  This versatile legume can be dressed up as sweet as candy if you give it the benefit of the doubt!  Plus, with their oft praised protein and fiber, it’s perfectly reasonable to spread some chocolate on toast for breakfast, and call it a balanced meal.

Chocolate Chickpea Spread

1 15-Ounce Can Chickpeas
1 Tablespoon Peanut Butter
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1/2 Cup Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder
1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
1 Teaspoon Instant Coffee Powder
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
2 – 4 Tablespoons Water

As with all hummus, this spread couldn’t be easier; Just throw everything but the water into your food processor or blender, and thoroughly puree, scraping down the sides of the bowl to get everything incorporated as needed. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the water, until you reach your desired consistency. Spread at will!

Makes about 2 Cups

Printable Recipe