Easy Hummus Recipe

I’m not gonna lie guys, hummus used to freak me out.  The questionable brownish tanish color and the squishy consistency was just not appealing to me.  Until I found out that it was basically smooshed chick peas.  Then I changed my mind and gave this easy recipe a try. I love it.

 

After I tried it, I noticed hummus popping up in health magazines such as Women’s Health, Oxygen, and Shape magazines. Here’s an excerpt that I found online about the health benefits of hummus:

Hummus as a whole contains plenty of Omega 3 fatty acids, which are great for improving intelligence and maintaining a healthy heart. On top of it all, this dish also has iron, vitamin B6, manganese, copper, folic acid, and amino acids. Tryptophan, phenylalanine, and tyrosine are the amino acids found in hummus that can promote good quality sleep and uplift one’s mood.

Humus is loaded with nutrients that can contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Include this in your diet by using it as spread on sandwiches and wraps, as dressing to your salad or pasta, as dip for raw vegetables, or as side dish for main courses.

 

Since I am a full-blown snack monster lately, this stuff is a perfect and easy healthy option.  You can pick it up at any grocery store in lots of different varieties, but if you’re gobbling it down like there’s no tomorrow like me somebody I know, it’s suuuuper easy to make.

Find a good base recipe for plain hummus.  If you’re feeling frisky, add different ingredients to change it up.  Some ingredient ideas that will kick it up a notch are:

* artichoke hearts

* beets (which will turn it a beautiful punchy pink)

* curry powder

* cilantro & jalapenos

* olives

* spinach (for some green monster action)

* sun-dried tomatoes

* feta cheese

* sesame oil

* tahini

 

Here’s the base recipe that I use (lightly adapted from allrecipes.com):

 

• 1 can garbanzo beans/chickpeas (with a little of the juice from the can)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cumin

 

Easiest recipe ever.  You pretty much can’t mess this up.

Put all of the ingredients into your blender/food processor/ magic bullet.

 

 

Blend.

 

Serve with pita chips,  veggies, crackers, or spread it on a sandwich.

 

 

This recipe has earned me some big “Martha Stewart” points with a few friends.  Put some in a mason jar, wrap  it with a little jute twine bow and some flat bread or cut up veggies and BAM!  The perfect thing to bring to a friend’s house or to impress your co-workers with your mad Suzie Homemaker skillz.

 

 

Here’s my recipe for easy and delicious PINK hummus!