Hummus is an easy to make, heart healthy, high fiber spread made from chick peas a.k.a. garbanzo beans. Besides being a great plant based protein source for vegan and vegetarian diets it is delicious and makes an awesome dip or substitute for mayo. Economical and easy to make hummus makes a great appetizer, dip for veggies, crackers or the traditional pita bread. Flavor combinations are endless. Here are a few of our favorites.
Basic Hummus Recipe
15 oz can cooked chickpeas drained and rinsed
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 minced garlic clove
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 1/2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt to taste
Instructions
Combine 1/2 of the chickpeas, the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, and a 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix for 30 seconds, scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl and process another 30 seconds or until well blended. Add the rest of the chickpeas and blend until thick and smooth. Add the water one tablespoon at a time and blend to desired consistency.
Great ways to dress it up..
Jalapeno Cilantro…Reduce lemon juice to 2 tablespoons , add 2 large jalapeño peppers and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro for a spicy and flavorful treat.
Honey Sriracha…..Reduce the lemon juice to 2 tablespoons add 1 tablespoon honey and 2 tables- poons Sriracha sauce for a sweet and hot twist.
Roasted Beet Hummus….Add 1 medium roasted beet, cooked until soft and chopped. This makes a very colorful bright pink hummus that is delicious and puts a great pop of color on your table too.
Pumpkin, sweet potatoes, various chilis, roasted red bell peppers and avocados can also be added to mix up the flavor profile. Make appetizers by topping crackers with your flavored hummus and add toppings like crumbled feta or blue cheese, walnuts, pine nuts, diced cucumbers or bacon bits. There are no rules in hummus, start with the basic recipe above and add what you like.
If you invent an amazing flavor please share it with us and we will share it on Facebook.
