Hummus

Hummus has always been one of my favorite snacks. It's easy to eat, healthy, and goes with just about anything. You can spread it on a sandwich, use it as a dip for veggies, or eat it with pita chips or fresh pita bread. It's a great alternative to sour cream or cream cheese based dips because even if you stuff your face it won't leave you feeling guilty. Hummus also happens to be very easy to make. All you need are a few ingredients and a blender.

I always have the ingredients to make hummus on hand. Canned chickpeas, salt, pepper, half a lemon, a garlic clove or two, olive oil, and tahini. Tahini is a sesame paste that is used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food. You should be able to find it in your local grocery store. I bought this bottle at Harris Teeter. It's delicious in salad dressings and other dips in addition to hummus. Keep in mind that a little bit goes a long way!

After trying a lot of different hummus recipes, I discovered that if you peel the chickpeas before you blend them the hummus is much, much creamier. After you drain and rinse the chickpeas simply squeeze one in between your thumb and pointer finger and the bean will pop out of the peel. They should come out pretty easily and you will get a bowl of peeled chick peas in about 15 minutes. It's by no means necessary to peel the beans, but its quick and easy and you will be surprised by the difference in the texture.

I like to serve it with cucumbers, carrots, celery, and orange peppers. Cucumbers are by far the superior dipping veggie, but use anything you like!

Hummus Recipe
1 can chick peas, rinsed and peeled
Juice from 1/2 lemon
1/2 teaspon salt
1/4 teaspon pepper
1 clove garlic
1-2 tablespoons tahini
2 tablespoons olive oil
Sprinkle of crushed red pepper (optional)
Paprika, for serving

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. If the hummus is too think you can add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out. I personally like it thick, but not everyone does. Once it has reached the desired consistency, place it in a bowl for serving. Sprinkle paprika on top and serve with veggies, pita chips, or pita bread.