Classic Hummus

One of my favorite healthy snacks is hummus. I like snacking on it when I'm cooking something else, or as a appetizer to my favorite Lebanese meal. Either way, it's a guilt free indulgence. There are several different types of fancy hummus available at the grocery store now, but this is my favorite classic hummus recipe. Don't be scared to make your own. It's very simple and inexpensive! Plus, you can make it exactly the way you like it.

Classic Hummus

I like my hummus a little thicker than most store bought types, and I don't use much oil either.

Classic Hummus
2 15oz cans chick peas or garbanzo beans, drained*
3 garlic cloves
2 T tahini (sesame seed paste)
Juice from 1 lemon
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cumin
1 T olive oil
About 3/4 C juice from chick peas
Pinch of paprika (optional)

*Drain the juice from one of the cans of chick peas into a bowl and reserve for liquid. Pour the drained chick peas and garlic into a food processor and pulse to roughly chop. Add tahini, lemon juice, salt, cumin and olive oil and pulse. Stream in the chick pea juice 1/4 of a cup at a time and turn on high. Stop occasionally and scrape down the sides with a spatula. Continue blending and adding juice until desired texture. Test the hummus out before removing from food processor in case there is something you want to adjust. Scoop into a dish and sprinkle paprika on four "corners." Drizzle with additional oil if desired. Serve. 

Easy Peasy Lebanesy!

You can serve hummus with several things. Ditch the mayo and use it as spread on a sandwich or wrap. Serve it with pita chips, pita bread, pretzels or crackers if you need a carb fix. Is your garden over grown with veggies? Great! Serve hummus with red, green or yellow bell peppers, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, endives or olives. Last but not least, don't be afraid to make a different kind of hummus all together. Black bean hummus or roasted red pepper hummus are great options. Add your favorite Mediterranean spices to it and make it your own.

I always buy the Krinos brand of Tahini, but anything will work. I get mine at Publix, but I have seen it other places also. In my grocery store, it is either with the Middle Eastern foods, or sometimes it is in the peanut butter isle. If you can't find it, just ask! (It can also be found online on some Mediterranean store sites or even amazon.)

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