Hummus – the home made simple recipe you will thank me later for

Making hummus at home is simple and requires only a few basic ingredients. Here’s a classic and easy recipe for preparing hummus:

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup tahini (sesame paste)
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice (adjust to taste)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• 3-4 tablespoons water (for adjusting consistency)

Optional garnish:

• Drizzle of olive oil
• Paprika or ground cumin
• Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Instructions:

1. Rinse and Drain the Chickpeas:
   • Drain the chickpeas from the can and rinse them under cold water. This helps remove excess salt and allows the hummus to have a smoother flavor.
2. Blend the Chickpeas and Tahini:
   • In a food processor or blender, add the drained and rinsed chickpeas along with tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt.
   • Blend the mixture until smooth. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The hummus should be creamy and easily spreadable.
3. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning to your preference. You can add more lemon juice for tanginess, more salt for flavor, or more garlic for an extra kick.
4. Serve and Garnish:
   • Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Create a shallow well in the center of the hummus with the back of a spoon.
   • Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top of the hummus, and sprinkle some paprika or ground cumin for added color and flavor.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Hummus is delicious served as a dip with pita bread, pita chips, or raw vegetables. You can also use it as a spread for sandwiches, wraps, or as a side dish with grilled meats.
   • Store any leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

This creamy and flavorful dip is a versatile and healthy addition to your meals and snacks. Customize the seasoning and consistency to your taste, and feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives for unique variations. It goes very well with grilled meats and wraps.