Recently I was chatting with several of my friends who are also cookbook authors or avid gourmet cooks. We were discussing the recipes that were so easy to make at home instead of purchasing these already prepared foods at the grocery store. Foods such as salsa, guacamole, marinara and hummus were mentioned.
The conversation seemed to center around hummus and the jest of the conversation was that hummus was just way too easy to prepare at home and one would NEVER purchase hummus again if they started making it themselves. The group commented how it was easy to always have hummus ingredients on hand and flatbread or pitas in the freezer. A ready made appetizer or munchie to accompany a cocktail always on stand by.
I must confess that prior to this conversation, I purchased ready made hummus frequently. These food friends converted me and I have been making hummus all summer long. I shall never return to my store bought hummus days again! Many a late Saturday night after a day filled with activities we have settled in for hummus and a glass of wine to wind down our day. No need for the added stress of preparing a full meal on days like this. My friends were wise…..hummus is a cinch to make, tastes so much better and you can always have the ingredients in your pantry.
Please give this a try and let me know if you agree.
Hummus
Makes about 2 ½ cups
3 garlic cloves
1 (15 oz.) can garbanzo beans or 2 cups chickpeas, drained
1 teaspoon kosher salt
⅓ cup tahini (this is sesame paste)
⅓ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 to 6 dashes hot seasoning sauce
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
Pita bread, flat bread, crackers or vegetables, for serving
Place all ingredients, except the bread, crackers or vegetables for serving, into a food processor that has been fitted with the steel blade. Cover and process all ingredients until smooth and well blended. Taste for seasoning and add additional salt, lemon juice or hot seasoning sauce as needed.
Sprinkle with pine nuts and serve at room temperature with warmed pita, flatbread crackers or vegetables.
This also makes a delicious spread for sandwiches.
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