Hummus Dip

The Mediterranean diet has long been famous for it's high nutritional value. This is the food we eat most often in our home, not only for the nutritional content, but also for the great flavors. Mediterranean food pleases the palate every time. Think: Greek, Italian, Arabic, Moroccan.

The key to great taste and the highest nutritional value is fresh, high-quality ingredients. Always try to buy fresh, organic and/or local produce.

For hummus, I use dry Chick Peas (also known as Garbanzo Beans), which keeps costs down--besides, I couldn't find fresh chick peas in Minnesota if I tried. Chick Peas are good for the heart and blood and as part of a healthy diet, they can help keep blood sugar in check. Hummus could be a good food for Lent. It's been around since long before Jesus walked the earth, it's possible He ate it, or something similar, Himself.

The other ingredients in Hummus are great for overall health too. Things like Olive Oil, Garlic, Lemon Juice and Cumin are all well-documented nutritional giants.
(For more info. on the health benefits of hummus click here).


Enjoy this dip with fresh, raw veggies or pita wedges.

Hummus


2-3 Garlic cloves, chopped or mashed
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Cumin, ground
2 C cooked Chick Peas
1/2 C Tahini (sesame seed paste-found in health food stores, Middle-Eastern stores, or grocery stores in the health or ethnic section of the store)
1/4 C Lemon Juice, or to taste
Reserved liquid from beans as needed
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1/2 tsp Paprika


Place all ingredients, except for the paprika and bean liquid, in a food processor. Process until smooth. Add some of the reserved liquid from the beans if the hummus is too stiff. Taste. Add a little more salt, cumin or lemon juice if you like. Spoon the hummus onto a plate or shallow bowl, drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle with paprika.


Hummus freezes well too.

For information about the Mediterranean diet and a similar recipe from the net, click here. (You can also see where I borrowed the beautiful picture from).


We like hummus with warmed pita or on Gyro sandwiches. It's even good on salads. It's also great as a veggie dip. You can add Sun-dried Tomatoes for a different flavor or experiment with your own hummus creations. And please let me know what you come up with!