Trailer repairs have been on hold due to rain, holiday train trips and more rain, so today I am going to post one of my favorite snack recipes. Hummus is a nice, healthy change-up from bean or sour cream dip, for chips, crackers, veggies, or even on salads and sandwiches. Made from garbanzo beans and sesame seeds, it is packed with healthy protein and, by adding your own seasonings, you can make it entirely guilt-free.
Here is my simple recipe, which can be made with canned or dried/soaked/cooked beans, depending on your time frame. Soak and cook dried beans just like you would any other dry bean.
Photo: iStockphoto.com/robynmac
Hummus Dip or Spread
1 can garbanzo beans or 2 cups cooked garbanzos
1/4 cup sesame seeds
5 cloves fresh garlic or 1 tablespoon garlic powder
Salt, pepper and other seasonings to taste
Reserved bean liquid
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Drain cooked beans, reserving 1 cup liquid. Combine beans, sesame seeds and garlic cloves in high speed blender. If using garlic powder, add it with other seasonings. Process beans in blender, working up to highest speed possible. Add reserved liquid and lemon juice little by little to keep things moving. You want to end up with a paste, not a smoothie. When all ingredients are blended into a pasty dip consistency, put in bowl. Season to taste and serve with desired dippers.
