Hummus

Hi everyone! Are you looking for a quick, easy and healthy snack? May I suggest some hummus? You won't believe how easy hummus is to make, and the variations are endless.

What is hummus? Plain and simple, it's a bean dip. It can be eaten with veggies, bagel chips, whole grain crackers, pita bread, etc.

For those of you who have tried store bought hummus and found it not to your liking, I would encourage you to try these recipes. I know they will change your mind about hummus!

Here are my 3 favorites to get you started...

Traditional Hummus:

2 cloves garlic

1 15 oz. can garbanzo beans

4 tbsp. lemon juice

2 tbsp tahini

1 tsp salt

black pepper to taste

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

Put all the ingredients in a food processor (or blender) and blend until smooth. Add additional EVOO to get the desired consistency. (I always add more to make it smoother).

Black Bean Hummus:

1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained

1/4 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic

2 Tbsp lime juice

1 Tbsp Thousand Island dressing

1/8 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Place all ingredients into a food processor and puree until smooth.

Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

Italian Red Feta Hummus: (my favorite)

1/2 cup roasted red pepper (from jar)

1 15 oz. can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

1 tsp dried basil

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1 4-oz container tomato basil feta cheese

1 Tbsp EVOO

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. There will be bits of feta in the hummus. Chill for several hours or overnight to let the flavors blend. Also good served hot.

Makes 2 cups.

* I have found that with any of the hummus recipes, it always taste best if it has time to chill so that the flavors have time to blend.

Snack away!