Hummus

I've been wanting to make some homemade hummus for quite some time. I purchased a jar of tahini for this very purpose, but it has sat on the pantry shelf looking rather lonely. In fact, it was nearing its expiration date. My daughter, Sarabeth took it upon herself to make a batch of hummus and it was superb! I found the tahini at our local grocery store next to the peanut butter.

1 can of garbanzo beans (some brands are called chickpeas-same thing)
1 1/2 TBS tahini
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 TBS lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup reserved juice from can of beans

1 TBS chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional, but it does add a nice flavor)
1 TBS olive oil (also optional, but nice for dipping)

Drain beans, reserving 1/4 cup of the juice. Combine first 6 ingredients in food processor. Mix on low for 3 minutes, or until smooth.

To serve, place in bowl. Using a ladle, make an impression in the middle of the hummus and filling with 1 TBS olive oil. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with pita bread, crackers, or can be used in a wrap.

I'm working on a gluten free pita bread and will post the recipe soon. But if you aren't gluten free, there are plenty of recipes for pita bread out there.

I can't wait to add some other flavors to this basic recipe, sun dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers, jalapeno...the variations are endless.