Mmmmmmm Hummus!

So I am sure somewhere along the road you have tasted homemade, or store bought, hummus... You probably loved it, because, let's face it: hummus is unbelievably delicious!!! If you didn't love it, don't count it out quite yet. Try making it yourself and using one of my "techniques" to spice it up to your liking... If you try this and still don't like it, then I guess I have failed you... But I am very optimistic!

Ok so basic hummus is pretty simple. I simplify mine even further because I don't use tahini (sesame) paste in mine. You can feel free to toss some tahini in yours: it makes it even creamier and gives it a subtle roasted flavor. I leave it out of mine because my one year old is a huge hummus lover, and sesame seeds are one of "those foods" recommended by the experts to delay introducing to children.. So all of the following recipes do not contain tahini, but easily can (add a few tablespoons or whatever you are comfortable with, remember to taste while adding so you don't add too much!)

1 15 oz can garbanzo beans
2-3 T lemon juice
1 clove garlic
dash of cumin
olive oil

If you are like me and you are lucky enough to have a magic bullet, then this will be super easy for you. If you have a food processor, then that will get the job done too. I am sure you can toss all this in your blender and make it work, but I haven't tried it that way. In fact, today I started out in my food processor and finished in my magic bullet (I love that thing!).

Start by adding your garbanzo beans, lemon juice, garlic and cumin to your food processor (or bullet). While processing, start pouring olive oil into the processor bowl little by little. When it starts to look creamy you are done. Make sure that you don't have any large chunks and that it is super smooth and creamy. Spoon in to a bowl, drizzle some olive oil on top, and serve with warm homemade pita bread, spread on toast, eat with pita chips, or even Carrot or Sweet Potato Chips.

Now some ways to spice up your hummus...

Avocado Hummus
Basic Hummus recipe but add a ripe avocado toward the end of processing and blend until smooth. This is delicious spread on toast or used on sandwiches. It is also extremely heart healthy and contains a burst of nutrients that you can read about here.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Add a roasted red pepper to your hummus along with the garbanzos. If you want to try a specific recipe, here is one that contains tahini.

Black Bean Hummus
Add a drained can of black beans along with the garbanzos to the basic hummus recipe. Also add a pinch or two of curry powder for a good kick! If it is too thick because of the beans, try stirring in two tablespoons plain yogurt, or more olive oil.

Sunshine Hummus
Basic hummus recipe with shredded carrots processed in at the beginning. This will have a very different texture from regular hummus because of the carrots, so keep that in mind.

Hummus Melts
Spread some hummus on a whole grain tortilla or flat bread (or homemade pita bread), arrange a layer of sliced granny smith apples on top, then top with grated sharp cheddar cheese and broil for 2-4 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Hummus Dip a La Kristie
Spread some hummus into a bowl and top with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, cheese, and swirl some extra herb infused evoo on top. Serve with pita chips and watch as this completely disappears! Thanks Kristie for the idea!