For a long time I had no idea how to make hummus and thought it was the most amazingly delicious mystery food, until my sister decided to make it and I realized that it was so easy with such simple ingredients. Since then I make it all the time and enjoy it so much more than store-bought kinds! And it couldn’t be easier to make custom flavours such as, red bell pepper and lime with coriander (cilantro)… just add those ingredients and there you have it!
Ingredients:
note: you will need a food processor or hand blender for this recipe
-1 can (200g/7oz) of chickpeas/garbanzo beans or equivalent amount of dried beans that have been soaked over night
-1-2 tbs olive oil
-1-2 tbs lemon juice
-1-2 cloves of garlic
-salt to taste
-1 tsp tahini (ground sesame seeds – optional)
What to Do:
Drain chickpeas/garbanzo beans, reserving some liquid. Place in a food processor or large bowl if using a hand blender.
Add 1 tbs olive oil, 1 tbs lemon juice, 1 tbs reserved liquid, 1 clove of garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth. Taste and if needed add more olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, or salt. I don’t like to add too much of the reserved can liquid because I find it adds a bland taste, instead I just add some water. Some people add tahini or peanut butter, but I find it doesn’t really need it. I’ve used my own ground up sesame seeds a few times and it’s ok, but I don’t notice that it adds much to the taste or texture, just my opinion!
When storing leftover hummus (if there is any!), I find that it keeps better is drizzled with olive oil, then covered with plastic-wrap (or container of your choice).
When serving I also like to drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with cayenne pepper or smoked paprika, yum! Then eat with warm pitta bread/naan bread, carrot sticks, bell peppers, small cherry tomatoes, or any other vegetables you fancy!