Oh, the things you can do with Hummus! Hummus is very good for you, especially if you are trying to eat a diet rich in protein. An expensive way to get protein into your diet, Hummu recipes are easily prepared and are cheaper than buying all ready made hummus and you can control the amount of salt, fat and obviously the ingredients that go into your hummus. It literally takes five minutes to make-no joke!

Like pesto recipes, Hummus is very adaptable and can be changed to meet the needs of anyone with food allergies.

Hummus is also very low on the glycemic index. It’s great for those watching their weight trying to lose weight or jsut wanting to eat better. Hummu sis also a great choice for children’s lunches because it can be left out at room temperature. It packs away nicely and children can eat it with veggies, pita chips and perhaps some wholegrain pretzels! Instead of turkey or peanut butter and jelly sandwich think about making hummus for your child’s lunch box! Get the kids involved in making the hummus with you the night before. Hummus lasts quite a while in the refrigerator so it is a great go-to for every day lunches or snacks.

There are numerable hummu recipes out there and you can change your basic hummus recipe as your mood changes; it’s very easy! Hummus is a great and delicious source of protein. Serve Hummus with raw vegetables, pretzels, toasted pita chips (I like Ezekiel pita chips)

Classic Hummus Recipe

1.5 to 2 c. cooked garbanzo beans
1 tsp. garlic powder
4 tbsp. Tahini, or sesame paste
1 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1/2 c. good olive oil

Blend all ingredients together in a food processor and enjoy!

Low-Calorie Hummus

A friend of my parents and I came to visit us in Asheville, North Carolina a few years ago. She gave me this wonderful Lebanese recipe and I’ve enjoyed experimenting with it ever since. A few years ago, my dear friends Rod and Joy asked me to cater their New Year’s Eve Party. They tell me that this hummus recipe took center stage; everyone loved it! A fun and easy snack or lunch, this recipe takes no time at all. Children can help you with ease and enjoy creating their own versions of this healthy alternative to chips and salsa.

1 (14.5 oz) can organic garbanzo beans, drained with liquid reserved
4 tbsp. Tahini (sesame paste)
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. garlic powder
3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp. olive oil

In a blender, combine ingredients well using a little liquid in the beans at a time. I only use the liquid when purchasing organic low-salt chick or garbanzo beans. You will not have to use all of the liquid. Serve with toasted pita chips. Cut Ezekiel or another pita bread in eighths and separate to make 16 pieces. Bake chips in a 350 degree oven for a couple of minutes. You can also enjoy this hummus with fresh vegetables.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Broil a red bell pepper until the skin blackens. Immediately place pepper in a paper bag and let sit five minutes. Remove blackened skin and process with other ingredients.

Roasted Garlic Hummus

Omit garlic powder. Expose the garlic by using a serrated knife to cut off the top. Place in a glass baking dish or wrapped in foil. Brush a little olive oil on top and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast garlic in a 350 degree oven for thirty minutes or until browned. Add to other ingredients and process.

Hummus without Tahini (Sesame Paste)

1 can garbanzo beans
¼ c. extra-virgin olive oil
2 T. lemon juice
½ tsp. salt
2 cloves roasted garlic

Using a blender combine all ingredients.

Spicy Hummus Recipe

Add chili oil in place of olive oil. use some of the liquid from the beans so you don’t overpower the hummus with heat.
I like to stir mu hummus and make ripples so that additional olive oil, fresh parsley and a sprinkle of chili flakes tell your guests the type of Hummus they we be enjoying.

Walnut Butter Hummus (from Lauren at HelloPa)

1/3 cup walnut butter (make your own if you don’t have any)
1 garlic clove, quartered
1 14-ounce can chickpeas beans, drained
1/3 teaspoon orange zest
1/4 cup orange juice
salt to taste
pepper to taste

Mix in food processor until smooth. Add 1/4 cup of water slowly if you desire a creamier consistency.

Smoky Hummus Recipe

1 15 oz. can chickpeas or garbanzo beans, drained
1 teaspoon minced garlic or 2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon canned chipotle chilies, diced
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 tbsp. tahini

Drain chickpeas and set aside liquid from can. In a blender or food processor combine all remaining ingredients. Add 1/4 cup of liquid from chickpeas. Blend for 3-5 minutes on low until thoroughly mixed and smooth.

Place in serving bowl, and create a shallow well in the center of the hummus. Add a small amount (1-2 tablespoons) of olive oil in the well. Serve immediately with fresh, chopped veggies or pita, or cover and refrigerate.

Zucchini Hummus

1 (14.5 oz) can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans
1/4 cup liquid from can of chickpeas
1/2 cup fresh zucchini, chopped
4 tablespoons lemon juice (depending on taste)
4 tbsp. tahini
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil

Drain chickpeas and set aside liquid from can. Combine remaining ingredients in blender or food processor. Add 1/4 cup of liquid from chickpeas. Blend for 3-5 minutes on low until thoroughly mixed and smooth.

Place in serving bowl, and create a shallow well in the center of the hummus.

Add a small amount (1-2 tablespoons) of olive oil in the well. Garnish with parsley (optional).

Serve immediately with fresh, warm or toasted pita bread, or cover and refrigerate.

Amazing Artichoke Hummus

1 (14.5 oz.) can of chickpeas, drained with liquid set aside
1 (14 oz) can of artichoke hearts drained
4 tablespoons tahini
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove of garlic, crushed
3 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 tsp. kosher salt

In a food processor, combine chickpeas, artichokes, and tahini. Blend. Slowly add olive oil, garlic, salt, and lemon juice. Blend to a smooth consistency. If artichoke hummus is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of chickpea liquid at a time until desired consistency.