How have I not yet posted this recipe? (Oh, right, this is only my second post.) It is the one thing that I make without a recipe. (Should I not be writing that, being a blog writer and all...)? And one of the few recipes that I can whip up anytime as I almost always have the ingredients for it. Oh and did I mention that it's delicious? It's creamy and has a little kick from the cayenne and brightness from the lemon. And is the absolute perfect consistency. Plus, it goes with everything. I serve it as a dipping sauce in addition to harissa with grilled chicken. As a quick appetizer with homemade pita chips or veggies. As a sandwich spread. And it's probably the only recipe I really claim as my own. Sure it started out as someone else's, but I've adapted it so much and melded it with others that it is now mine. I probably make it once a week. The only hard part about it is cleaning the food processor.
Ever since I first tried hummus, I've loved it, but always just bought it. I had my favorite brands (Sabra), but for some reason about a year or two ago, I finally decided to make it myself. I haven't bought any since. This one is exactly how I like it. Modify it to make it yours! Add more lemon or some smoky chipotles. Omit the cayenne if you don't like spice. My favorite way to eat it is drizzled with some olive oil and served with a warm whole-wheat pita. Sprinkle with paprika for color. It's 9:57 pm and I've already eaten dinner, but I may just whip some up now, all this hummus talk is making me hungry!
Hummus
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 - 14.5 oz can Garbanzo Beans (aka Chickpeas), rinsed and drained
Juice of 2 lemons (don't use artificial, it will just taste that way)
1 garlic clove
1/4 C olive oil
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp kosher salt
3 TBL tahini (sesame seed paste)
2-3 TBL water, to thin to desired consistency
Directions:
Put whole garlic clove in food processor. Pulse a few times to mince. Add garbanzo beans, lemon juice, cayenne, salt & tahini. Let puree while you grab the olive oil and measuring cup. Slowly drizzle in oil. Test. Add 2-3 TBL water to get to desired to consistency.
