Hummus

When unexpected guests pop over the hedge, this can be your go-to "let me just whip up a little something for us to eat" appetizer.


Serve this delicious healthy dip with pita chips, raw veggies or even apples. 

Simple Cast of Characters:  Garbanzo Beans, Olive Oil, Lemon, Garlic, and Salt

Drain all but about 1/4 cup of juice from beans.

Add beans to a food processor fitted with steel blade.

Roll a lemon on the counter, applying pressure with your palm.

This helps more juice to be extracted.

Add lemon juice to beans.

Give it a whirl.

We're getting there.

Here's a great garlic trick!

You know how annoying it is to peel the papery skin from garlic?

Not any more!

Use the side of your knife and...

Smash it.

The skins peel right off.

Then mince up the garlic.

Add olive oil.

And process.

Getting creamier...

Add salt.

Mmmmmm. Delish.

Hummus

Makes about 1 1/2 cups

1 14.5-ounce can garbanzo beans, drained (reserve 1/4 cup of the liquid)

3 teaspoons lemon juice (about 1/2 a lemon)
1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
1/8 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt

Place the garbanzo beans, reserved liquid, lemon juice, and garlic in a blender or food processor. Blend while adding olive oil. Stop, scrape down sides of blender or food processor bowl, add salt, and continue to process until creamy and smooth.  Transfer mixture to a serving bowl.

Serve with pita chips and raw vegetables.