Hummus is one of my favorite foods.  Filling, satisfying, and full of health benefits, it is also incredibly easy to make.  If you keep your pantry stocked with the right ingredients, this is one of those great recipes that you can always whip up.   Hummus is a Mediterranean spread made of garbanzo beans and tahini, a sesame seed paste, and is perfect for those who live an active lifestyle.  The ingredients are extremely healthful, including the garbanzo beans and sesame seeds which are high in fiber, iron, protein, and many beneficial minerals.  Spread it on your morning bagel, top off your salad, put it on a sandwich, use it a as a vegetable dip, or make an amazing appetizer.  Hummus travels well and will last for a few days in the fridge…but I doubt it will take you that long to eat it.  The best thing about this recipe is that it’s my husband’s.  I hope you enjoy it.

Ingredients:

1 can of garbanzo beans, drained, reserve 1/4 cup of liquid

3 Tbsp of tahini

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp dried parsley

1 small clove of garlic

1/8 – 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice - to taste

4 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil

water

fresh Italian parsley for garnish

paprika for garnish

In a food processor combine garbanzo beans, tahini, salt, cumin, dried parsley, garlic, lemon, 3 Tbsp of olive oil, and 1/4 cup of liquid from garbanzo beans.  If needed, slowly add water to achieve desired consistency.  Garnish with paprika, 1 Tbsp oilve oil, and fresh parsley.

Variations:

Use roasted garlic

Substitute white beans for garbanzo beans

Substitute roasted eggplant for garbanzo beans to make Baba Ganoush

Serve with warmed pita, falafel, or on top of crostini.