Hearty Hummus

Prep Time: 10 minutes

 Equipment:

food processor or blender

measuring spoons and cups

can opener

Servings: 10 servings            Serving Size:  2 Tablespoon

Ingredients:

1 clove of garlic

1 (15 oz.) can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), low sodium

2 tablespoons  lemon juice

1-½ tablespoons  tahini

2 tablespoons  water

2 tablespoons  olive oil

½ teaspoon  salt

pepper to taste

Instructions:

1.   Open can of chickpeas, rinse and drain.  Add to food processor.

2.   Add lemon juice, garlic, tahini, salt, water, olive oil and pepper to food processor.

3.   Blend till smooth. Add water if necessary to reach desired consistency.

4.   Enjoy with whole-wheat crackers, pita bread or fresh vegetables!

Note: Try the recipe as is, then adjust the amounts of the ingredients in future batches to your individual taste.

Variations:

• Spice your hummus with different herbs and spices!  Common ingredients to hummus are cilantro, extra garlic, olives, paprika, jalapeños, roasted red pepper or basil!
• This is also a great spread for sandwiches and wraps as well!
• Garbanzo beans have a nut-like flavor and will puree easily to make dips, but other beans can also be used to make hummus-like dips.  Try canned white beans or navy beans for a tasty alternative.
• For a fancy presentation, drizzle with olive oil and top with minced garlic, pine nuts, a few chickpeas, or fresh herbs!