It can be hard to find dips and spreads that taste good and are also good for you. Hummus, if prepared correctly, totally fits the bill!
Since hummus is bean-based, it’s loaded with fiber and protein making it super hearty and filling. Better yet, it’s very easy to customize into different flavors.
Hummus, a staple in the notoriously healthy Mediterranean diet, has become quite popular and is very easy to find in stores. Unfortunately, many of the prepackaged options in the grocery aisles contain preservatives and other questionable ingredients.
To make sure you’re eating hummus that’s 100% clean and healthy, I recommend making your own. Here’s a super simple recipe with easy-to-find ingredients that you’ll want to have in your kitchen anyway. SCORE!
THE RECIPE
~Yields 6 to 8 Servings~
Ingredients:
Here are the ingredients you need for “basic” garlic hummus:
- 2 15-oz. cans of garbanzo beans (AKA chickpeas), drained & rinsed (Opt for organic beans and make sure the can is BPA-free.)
- 1/2 cup of tahini
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, peeled or 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- Juice of 1 lemon or 3 tablespoons of 100% pure lemon juice (like this)
- 1 tablespoon of cumin
- Himalayan pink salt and black pepper to taste
- Purified or spring water as needed (see the directions below)
- Optional: 1/2 tablespoon of paprika for garnish
FLAVORS: You can easily customize your hummus by blending veggies or other flavors into it. Some tasty options include avocados, beets, chipotle powder, cucumbers, green peas, horseradish, jalapeños, pumpkin, red peppers and mashed sweet potato. YUM!
Preparation:
- Put the garbanzo beans, tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and cumin in a blender or food processor. (I use a Blendtec for exceptional blending performance!) If you want to customize your hummus with one of the options I mention above, throw that ingredient in as well!
- Sprinkle in some salt and pepper.
- Start blending the mixture and slowly pour in water as needed to make a smooth, silky puree.
- Taste the mixture as you’re mixing and add more salt and pepper if needed. You can also add more lemon juice and cumin if you’d like.
- Once the mixture is smooth and seasoned to taste, place the hummus in a bowl. You can sprinkle it with paprika and add a drizzle of olive oil on top, but that’s totally optional.
LEFTOVERS: The hummus will keep for around 5 days in the fridge in an air-tight container like these.
PREFER TO BUY OVER DIY?
If spending time in the kitchen on DIY recipes just isn’t your thing, that’s okay. Just be sure to pay close attention to the ingredients on store-bought hummus. Opt for organic and avoid brands with preservatives and other unnatural ingredients.
HUMMUS USES
Hummus is extremely versatile. You can use it as a dip with fresh veggies or gluten-free crackers, spread it on sandwiches, mix it in salads or just eat a couple spoonfuls on its own.
Are you looking for a simpler hummus recipe or one with an extra spicy kick? I’ve got you covered! Just click here.
Cheers to enjoying hummus that’s natural and delicious!
With love and gratitude,
Kandi
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