Friday, April 16, 2010

Hummus imposter

The other day, I had a TON of chickpeas to use up. I wanted to make hummus, but didn't want to shell out the $6 for the container of tahini. I knew it would end up saving me money in the long run over buying the manufactured stuff, not to mention being better for me. I still couldn't bring myself to pay that much for the tahini. There was a recipe for "hummus" on my container of cumin. I don't think hummus is really hummus without tahini (or, at least it doesn't seem so to me), but I figured I'd try it because I had so many chickpeas just waiting to be made into something. Instead of hummus, it made more like a bean spread. However, it was tasty! I thought I would share the recipe with you all because it is yummy, inexpensive to make, and healthy! All the things I love! :) So, here is the super fast and simple recipe:

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, reserving 1/4 cup liquid (I didn't have a can, I had purchased dried beans. I read somewhere that 1 can of chickpeas equals 1 1/2 cups and I used 1/4 cup of liquid from when I boiled them. Seemed to work.)
1 clove garlic
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp salt

Place all ingredients in food processor. Blend until smooth, adding reserved liquid until reaching desired consistency.

That's it! So easy! I omitted the lemon juice because I didn't have any and added about a tsp of olive oil to make it a little creamier. I also added a little more salt and cumin. I have been enjoying it spread on a piece of whole wheat bread with spinach and red pepper. Yum!!!

3 comments:

  1. I have the same problem about buying tahini...it a bit pricey, and I never see it on sale! I am going to try this recipe! If you say it is good I will give it a go!
    I don't buy anything in a can! It is so easy to use dry and cook them! Thanks for the conversion! I always wondered and just guessed!

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  2. I hate Tahini, so this is the way I always make it. It's yummy! Try it sometime with roasted red peppers.

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  3. Hi there! I just came over to your blog through the Frugal Girl. Funny I actually made some tahini last night off a recipe I found on another blog. It's made with greek yogurt instead of tahini and it's really good! I upped the garlic another clove and added more paprika but that's probably just my taste (I'm a garlicaholic!). The yogurt gives it that extra tang you might be missing without it but it seems a lot lighter than with tahini. Here's the link I highly recommend it!

    http://www.cookingbytheseatofmypants.com/recipes/turkish-style-hummus/

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