Hummus

Hummus seems to be emerging as a new "health food." And while it is very healthy, and very tasty - it doesn't need to be very expensive or bland. The basic ingredients of hummus are garbanzo beans (or chickpeas), a little olive oil, lemon juice, and a little garlic and salt. Just stick everything in your food processor or blender, and puree until it is the consistency you want (I prefer mine a little chunky!). From there, you can pretty much add anything that you want to add more flavor. Here are a few variations that I tried last night..

Hummus

Ingredients:
1 15-ounce can garbanzo beans, reserve liquid
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt

For lemon-parsley hummus (pictured above) add:
3 tablespoons parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice

For sun-dried tomato & basil hummus (pictured below) add:
1/4 cup sundried tomatoes packed in oil (use the oil too)
1/4 cup packed basil leaves

Directions:
1. Put all of the ingredients together in a food processor or blender, and puree until desired consistency. Use the reserved liquid from the garbanzo beans to reach desired thick/thinness.

Great with pita bread!!