Investment banker turned restaurateur David Kostman, founder of Nanoosh Mediterranean Hummus Bars & Counters, shares his passion for healthy organic meals and a few back to school “fast foods” that parents can quickly make for their kids.
Hummus as inspiration?
Coming to a fast food eatery near you: Hummus. At least that is the rumor in the quick service restaurant industry. Though big name fast food restaurants may bring in hummus as a healthy menu choice, it won’t detract from the fat selection of the sodium-laden, high-calorie items. As it turns out, the popularity of hummus not only inspired Kostman to change his career, it put his healthy eatery Nanoosh well ahead of the quick food service game.
The organic restaurateur says, “I saw a tremendous business opportunity watching the adoption of hummus as a mainstream product, the increasing popularity of the Mediterranean cuisine, which is based on natural ingredients, and the growth in consumption of organically grown products to open a fast, casual restaurant concept that would combine these trends and provide a chic set up.”
Organic food is good fast food
Unlike big name fast food chains, the menu at Nanoosh provides hungry patrons with organic, natural ingredients. Dishes feature grilled chicken, tomato, cucumber, lemon, quinoa, cilantro, garlic, red pepper, cranberries, onions, and lentils. “Quality of the ingredients (a vast majority of our ingredients are organically grown), freshness, and tasty nutritionally-balanced recipes drive our ingredients and menu selections,” Kostman explains. You’ll always find a variety of salads, hummus-based dishes, soups, and whole wheat wraps.
Ingredients for healthy family meals
In addition to making healthier choices when opting for fast food, Nanoosh’s nutrition specialist Hadas Smirnoff encourages families to stock their kitchens with healthy ingredients for fast homemade meals.
Smirnoff recommends the following staples:
Chickpeas – The base for hummus, chickpeas are an excellent source of detoxifying minerals as well as fiber, which digests slowly and keeps blood sugar levels from rising too rapidly.
Lentils – Another source of protein and fiber, lentils are a low calorie, low fat, and cholesterol free food that can balance glucose levels and decrease insulin requirements for people with diabetes.
Extra-virgin olive oil – A key ingredient for hummus, rich in monounsaturated fat.
Fresh vegetables and herbs – Chockfull of vitamins, minerals, and other phytonutrients, vegetables and herbs are low in calories and high in flavor.
Quinoa – A complete easy-to-digest protein-rich grain containing all nine essential amino acids, which are required as building blocks for muscles.
Whole grains – Compared to refined flour products, such as white rice and white bread, whole grain foods – brown rice and whole wheat wraps, for example – are high in fiber and other nutrients.
Healthy back to school recipes
Smirnoff suggests the following at-home fast food recipes:
Mediterranean Tuna Wrap – Stuff a whole wheat tortilla with tuna, organic romaine, olives, peppers, pickles, and a Mediterranean inspired salad.
Turkey Hummus Sandwich – Turkey, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and hummus on whole wheat bread.
Quinoa Salad – Toss quinoa, nuts, raisins, dried cranberries, cilantro, lemon juice, and olive oil.
Hummus – “Parents can spread hummus on sandwiches instead of mayonnaise for a healthier sandwich option,” says Smirnoff. “Kids love dipping their food, so give them an array of veggies, breads, and even pretzels to dip in hummus.”
Homemade hummus
How to make great hummus
Step-by-step instructions on how to make the best hummus.
A few of our favorite back to school recipes
- White Bean Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus
- Turkey, Spinach and Apple Wrap
- Avocado Quinoa Salad
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