Outstanding Hummus and Toasted Pita Chips

The Best Hummus Recipe

While living in the beautiful mountains of Asheville, North Carolina my parents and their friend Peachy came to visit us.  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, healthy 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 low sodium garbanzo beans, drained with liquid reserved

4 tbsp. Tahini  (sesame paste)

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. garlic powder or 2 cloves of smashed garlic cloves

3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

Some folks like using olive oil and don’t like to use the liquid in the beans, but if you purchase low sodium organic beans the liquid is really good! You can use a little liquid and a little olive oil if you’d like. Olive oil is very good for you, but of course in moderation.

In a blender, combine ingredients well using a little liquid at a time. You may not have to use all of the liquid and you may choose to add some olive oil as well. 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. You can find Ezekiel bread in whole food stores. Ezekiel bread made with sprouted grain so you get optimum flavor and nutritional value.

Ezekiel 4:9® Organic Sprouted Whole Grain Products

Inspired by the Holy Scripture verse Ezekiel 4:9., “Take also unto thee Wheat, and Barley, and beans, and lentils, and millet, and Spelt, and put them in one vessel, and make bread of it…”

Variations:

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.

Toasted Pita Chips

I always serve these delicious pita chips with my hummus recipe.

12 pita bread (I like Ezekiel pita bread)

Olive oil spray

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Cut each pita into 8 triangles. Place triangles on lined cookie sheet.

Spray pita chips with olive oil spray and sprinkle with spices.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 7 minutes, or until lightly browned and crispy. Watch carefully, as they tend to burn easily! We love these with our homemade hummus.