Some (OK, most) of my favourite foods are components of a standard Mediterranean diet. Olives, feta cheese, flaky, fresh fish, and of course, hummus. If any of these ingredients are on my plate, I’m a happy camper. Hummus, especially, has become a staple in my kitchen. The creamy, tangy dip is a go-to if you’re in need of a quick afternoon snack, a flavourful condiment, or an easy party appetizer.
You can find a wide variety of brands and flavours at the grocery store, and while I’m sure you have your favourite brand (we all do), it’s so incredibly easy and budget-friendly to make at home.
Using the S-blade with your food processor running, drop garlic cloves and green onions into the food chute. Then add a can of drained garbanzo beans, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Tahini is a paste made from toasted sesame seeds. If you don’t have any tahini on hand, you can skip it and add a little extra olive oil for a smooth consistency.
Once the ingredients are processed and smooth, scoop into a serving bowl and garnish. We topped ours with a dollop of homemade pesto, pine nuts, and a drizzle of olive oil but you could top with sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, or fresh herbs.
Serve this simple, flavourful dip with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, or even olives. After seeing just how easy it is to make in your own kitchen you’ll think twice the next time you reach for the tub at the grocery store.
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 green onions, white portion and half of green top
- 1 can (15 oz) garbanzo beans (chick peas), drained, reserving 1/4 cup liquid
- 1/4 cup tahini (sesame paste), stirred
- 3 to 4 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- Dash of cayenne
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Dash of paprika
- Pita bread or cut up vegetables, optional
- Using S-blade and with processor running, drop garlic cloves and onion into food chute. Then add garbanzo beans, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Continue to process until smooth, adding enough reserved liquid from beans to reach desired consistency and scraping bowl as needed.
- Place into serving bowl and garnish with paprika. Serve with pita bread and/or vegetables. To store, refrigerate.
TAGS: dips, food processor, hummus, pesto
CATEGORIES: appetizers & snacks, Everyday Recipes, side dishes
