Hummus Three Ways

Everyone knows the goodness of classic hummus as a spread on sandwiches and of course as a dip.  Lots of “hummus love” out there:)  Today we want to give you more ways to love hummus!This healthy snack is a snap to make and with a couple easy variations you can have something simple and good for you to reach for anytime the munchies hit, a snack you’ll be happy to serve your children, or special enough to serve as an appetizer at your next party.

We will give you the basic and easy recipe for Classic Hummus and then a way to turn that into a Roasted Red Pepper Hummus and a Pesto Hummus.  It is simple to do, looks beautiful when served together and and most importantly tastes delicious!  And did we mention these are guilt free because they are, by all accounts, really healthy…what could be better!  Make some this weekend and you’ll see what we mean.

Serve them with the pita chips we gave you yesterday or some carrots and cucumber slices and you’ll be a “snack hero” in your house in no time 🙂

Classic Hummus

2 cans of garbanzo beans
1/3 cup tahini paste
3-4 cloves garlic
2 teaspoons salt
juice of 2 lemons
1/4- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Combine everything but olive oil in a food processor or blender.  Slowly add in olive oil until hummus is a smooth consistency but not runny.  Scoop into serving bowl and drizzle the top with a bit more olive oil.

Red Pepper Hummus

1/2 recipe of classic hummus
1/4 cup roasted red peppers (either jar or can drained of liquid)
1/2-1 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or several drops of hot pepper sauce

Add these ingredients to the basic recipe BEFORE you add the olive oil.  Mix in olive oil to desired consistency.

Pesto Hummus *

1/2  recipe of basic hummus
1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Add these ingredients to the basic recipe BEFORE you add the olive oil.  Mix in olive oil to desired consistency.
*Alternatively you can add 1/4 cup prepared pesto sauce.  Trader Joes has one that works well.