Though my kids still aren't sold on hummus, they're more likely to try a bite if I serve it with pita chips.
When I finally got around to making hummus, I couldn’t believe how simple it was. I’d been spending way too much money on store-bought hummus that wasn’t half as good.
This recipe comes from my friend and fellow dietitian Cheryl Graffagnino. I love it because it has lots of lemon, doesn’t require too many ingredients, and can be made in the blender–no food processor required.
Here’s what you need:
2 15-ounce cans chickpeas (drain and reserve the liquid)
Juice of 2-3 lemons
1 tsp. salt (I omit this)
Ground pepper to taste
1 clove chopped garlic (I use 1 tsp. jarred, minced garlic)
3 tablespoons tahini paste*
1/4 cup olive oil
*This is a paste made from ground sesame seeds usually sold in the “ethnic foods” section of the grocery store.
Place beans, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic, and tahini in blender (or if you’re fancier than I am, a food processor). While you blend it, drizzle in olive oil. Scrape side and continue to blend, drizzling in reserved liquid from beans until you get the consistency you want. Store in the refrigerator in an air-tight container.
Nutrition information for 2 tablespoons: 76 calories; 3.3 grams fat; 3.3 grams protein; 1.5 grams fiber
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Have you tried adding roasted red peppers to the mix? It seems really simple, but it can be a big flavor (and color) booster for the kids. I know when I was first trying hummus out and wasn’t so sure about the (sometimes bland) flavor, the red peppers helped to add a little punch.
That’s a great idea–will have to try it. Thanks!
I have been making mine as well lately (I like Greek olive flavored–yum!) and I add a step that is probably unnecessary, but I take the skins off the chickpeas. It is a bit time consuming (although I like to get lost in thought while I do it), but the hummus is a little smoother texture-wise.
Wow, that is hardcore, Maria! Interesting idea. Thanks for reading!
I agree about the roaster red peppers! A very easy addition. You can also easily substitute other beans. I love to use black beans sometimes!
I love homemade hummus, it’s so delicious and economical.
Hi,
I am in OU Nutrition class and have enjoyed that class. I am actually trying some of the recipes I have heard about especially the red peppers as I love to eat them cooked or raw. I also will try the Hummus as something diffrent.
The picky eater was a good challenge. I did not like certain foods as a child and was more picky then than I am today. today I eat almost anything and love Thai foods, Chinese and Indian. I am currently trying to eat the super foods and ordered plankton as something diffrent.
Thank you for the help in our class
Roz Devaux
Thanks for reading, Roz! Glad you are finding new foods to try.
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