Healthy Hummus

I love hummus, it is one of those classic recipes that you can use a million ways, and I never feel guilty eating it!  It is also one of those recipes that keep your thighs thin and your wallet fat; hummus is really good for you and it costs almost nothing to make.  I usually eat this with a giant pile of veggies or I use it in sandwiches instead of mayonnaise.  It is great for crudites platters and holiday parties.  Hummus is really flavorful without even trying, so I have found it to be very popular at parties, especially if you mix it up and use one of the variations listed below.

This is really fast and easy to make, you may already have all of the ingredients in your pantry and fridge.  All you need is a food processor or a good blender and you are half way to hummus!

HUMMUS

Backyard Farmgals

2 - 16 oz cans of garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
1/4 cup liquid from the beans (about the amount in one can, measure it anyway...)
3-5 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tbsp tahini
2-3 cloves of garlic, crushed (the better the garlic, the better it will taste, trust me on this one)
1/2 tsp salt (maybe more to taste)
2 tbsp olive oil
cayenne pepper (optional - if you want it a little spicy)

method:

In a food processor fitted with a steel blade, add beans and the liquid from one can of beans.  Add the remaining ingredients.  Blend for 3-5 minutes until it is smooth and creamy.  Pour into a bowl and top with more olive oil.

You can easily make changes to your hummus to vary the flavor.  Try adding lime and cilantro or roasted garlic, sun dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts, or make it out of white or black beans instead of garbanzo beans.  For curried hummus add 1 tablespoon of curry powder.  For pesto hummus add 1 cup of packed fresh basil leaves.  Throw a couple of roasted red peppers into the blender with your mix for roasted pepper hummus.  It is really easy and there are a million ways that you can make it.  Plus, it will keep you healthy through the winter so you are ready to tackle the garden when spring hits.

**Yes, I put the hummus in yogurt cups and then realized that I should be taking pictures...yep...I feel pretty dang AWESOME!!! (At least I am recycling and reusing...)**