Hummus Dip

Just recently my daughter and I attended a "Keepers at Home" group that we are part of through involvement with our local homeschooling group (and co-op).  The mothers take turns each month teaching useful skills to the girls to "keep" their future homes. It is a privilege and honor to do this. And it's fun to participate with your daughter and learn something fun like making a quick and colorful scarf by using hand knitting! =)

Recently I was able to take a turn doing what I love. I had an evening of making, tasting and learning all about simple healthy vegan foods. The girls watched as I made some things and talked about the foods. Then they also got their hands into it by making some things with me. And who can forget the tasting! We sampled a few things that I know they won't forget. And I mean that in a good way! =)

Our evening included making (and eating!) hummus. The following recipe is the one I followed (and improvised with). It can be found at simplyrecipes.com. You can also use this as a spread or salad dressing for any number of things. This is a nice creamy dressing that replaces the ever present ranch style dressings/dips that are always around at potlucks. Take some of this hummus along with some raw veggies, next time you are invited for a potluck meal! =)

Hummus

2 garlic cloves, mashed and minced
2 15-oz cans (about 3 to 3 1/2 cups) garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
2/3 cup of tahini
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon of salt
ground cumin, to taste (my addition - optional)

In a food processor, combine the garlic, garbanzo beans, tahini, lemon juice, 1/2 cup water, and olive oil. Process until smooth. Add salt (and cumin, if using), starting at a half a teaspoon, to taste. Makes about 3 cups. Add more water, a little at a time, if it's thicker than you like.

Serve with sliced up vegetables. We used sliced cucumber to taste test, the evening I did this for the group. You can use: zucchini, cucumber, carrots (try slicing these on the bias for longer, bigger dippers), bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced raw sweet potato, celery (I love celery this way!), jicama, broccoli, cauliflower, grape tomatoes, etc.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: add a small amount (1 to 2 tablespoons) of roasted red peppers to food processor along with salt. Start with a small amount, tasting and adding more if desired.

This hummus can also be used as a spread on breads for sandwiches...with some veggies, makes a great sandwich! Thin with water, as desired, for a nice salad dressing.

Flavor it how you like, with any number of your own variations. There are so many things you can do with hummus. Be creative and have fun.

Tip: If you use warm beans, you may find the hummus to come out smoother.