Who Needs Tahini?

Hummus is a Middle Eastern dish,
made from ground chick peas (otherwise known as garbanzo beans).  
Chick peas are a great source of fiber, protein,
zinc, folic acid and magnesium.
They are often a component of my lunchtime salad,
as well as a favorite munchie as is.



From WebMD:

Here are a few ways to add hummus to your diet.

~1. Hummus serves as a super spread on sandwiches and wraps instead of mayo. 

You'll get more flavor with less fat.

~2.  Blend some hummus with broth, water, or wine to make a dressing for cold pasta salads.

~3. Fill a serving bowl with the hummus of your choosing and surround the bowl 

with assorted raw vegetables such as sugar snap peas, sliced cucumber or zucchini, 

grape or cherry tomatoes, and broccoli or cauliflower florets.

~4. Use hummus as a spread for veggie, turkey, or beef burgers in place of traditional condiments 

like mayonnaise, ketchup, barbecue sauce, or mustard.

~5. Make a better bruschetta with hummus. 

For a more satisfying serving, top a sliced toasted baguette with some hummus 

before adding a dollop of your favorite topping.

~6. Hummus works well as an appetizer served with whole grain crackers. 

Toasted whole wheat pita pocket crisps or grilled whole grain tortilla triangles are ideal.

~7.  Try hummus on your whole grain bagel instead of cream cheese.

  

Since there was no tahini in the house,

(I like making do with what's in the pantry),

this medley did the trick. 

You can use canned beans if you're in a pinch.

It's based on this recipe with a bit o' tweaking.

I just couldn't see adding THAT much garlic,

although it is one of my favorite flavors.

Hummus
 1 can garbanzo beans
or
1 1/2 C soaked and cooked chick peas
2 cloves garlic
2 t lemon juice
1 t cumin
1/2 t paprika
sea salt to taste

Makes 3 C
 Enjoy!

This really is the best hummus I've ever savored.
I think the secret is in the paprika.
Why not make some this weekend?

See how to cook beans easily here.
 Another tasty recipe for chick peas can be found here.