Eat Together, Make Life Delicious...

Hummus is an easy dip to prepare that accompanies just about anything. And once you understand the basic recipe, variations are easy to dream up.

From time to time, I like to add a sprinkle of cheese into my hummus: a fresh piece of Feta or grated Parmesan is especially nice. And if you are willing, definitely consider blending in the following ingredients to keep it interesting: roasted red peppers, curry, roasted eggplant, olives, capers, or dill pickles. Really anything that suits your fancy.

With lots of tailgating and footballs games upon us, this dip is quite handy.

If you are expecting a large crowd, try preparing this recipe a few different ways so you have a variety (make sure to label them so your guest know what they are getting in to). To help scoop up the hummus, set out a plate of little spoons and plates and of course some cheesy nachos or toasted bagel slices.

Let the dipping begin!


Hummus
makes about 3 cups

3 roasted garlic cloves or 1 raw garlic clove finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons tahini
2 tablespoon lemon juice
15 ounce garbanzo beans, drained but liquid reserved
2 small canned peppadews (or ¼ teaspoon finely chopped Serrano pepper)
1 heaping tablespoon fresh cilantro leaves
1 pinch salt

In a standing blender combine the garlic, olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, garbanzo beans, peppadews, cilantro, salt, and 1 tablespoon of the garbanzo liquid and pulse until it is smooth. If necessary, add more of the garbanzo liquid to smooth it out. When the hummus reaches the consistency you like, serve it immediately with toasted bread, cheesy nachos, crackers, carrots, really just about anything.

Labels: Hummus, tailgating