Homemade Hummus

Ask any of my friends… I could eat hummus anytime and anywhere. But for the longest time, I would eat store bought hummus. Even after I heard how easy it was to make it at home, I would still buy it from the store just to save time. However, after making it at home for the first time, I realized it was worth it. Removing the skin off of the chickpeas is optional, but it does make the hummus a lot smoother. It also stores a lot better in the fridge if you remove the skins, in my opinion. It does add a step to the process and an extra 15 minutes, but if you have the time, I think it is worth it. Another trick I learned was to save about three tablespoons of the water from the chickpea can to use to thin out the hummus. It helps make it extra smooth and creamy. Once done processing all the ingredients, the hummus is ready to eat all on its own! However, adding store bought tabbouleh and roasted chickpeas on top is an easy way to go the extra mile to make it special.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (15 oz.) can of chickpeas – rinsed & drained

• 3 tablespoon of water (saved from the can of chickpeas)

• 1/3 cup of tahini

• ¼ cup of olive oil

• 1 garlic clove – minced

• ¼ tablespoon of cumin

• 3 tablespoon of lemon juice

• Salt to taste

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS

• 1 teaspoon of olive oil

• ½ teaspoon of paprika

• Fresh parsley

• Tabbouleh

• Roasted chickpeas  

STEPS

1.      Drain the chickpeas (keeping about 3 tablespoons of the chickpea water from the can) in a strainer and rinse them under running water. Try to remove most of the skin on the chickpeas with your hands while the water is running.

2.      After rinsing, spread the chickpeas onto paper towel and remove any remaining skins that have remained on the chickpeas.

3.      In a food processor, mix the tahini and olive oil for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

4.      Add minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, salt and process for another minute.

5.      Add chickpeas a little at a time, and process until completely blended.

6.      Add up to 3 tablespoons of water to reach the desired consistency wanted.

7.      Transfer the hummus from the food processor into a bowl. Top with additional olive oil, paprika, and fresh parsley.

8.      Enjoy!