When it comes to feeding my kids, there are certain foods I've played around with quite a bit. They'll eat almost anything if it's in smoothie form, pancake form, dip form, or burger form (last week I made "black bean burgers" my husband lovingly compared to "poop on toast." They really weren't very good, but my kids unknowingly--and happily--gobbled up the pureed mixture of black beans, red peppers, onions, and whatever else I threw in those nasty nuggets). If my kids can dip a chip (or occasionally some raw veggies) in it, they'll probably eat it. I've been a long-time fan of hummus, but have never attempted making my own. Until this week. Maybe it's the fact that I'm in the stage of pregnancy where everything tastes amazing, but this hummus was good! And chock-full of FIBER and protein, hummus fills you up with nothing-but-goodness. I was feeling ambitious, so I photo-documented my first attempt at making this Middle-Eastern staple.
First, I rinsed and drained a (15 oz) can of chickpeas. I dumped them into my second true love: my Blendtec blender.
Next, I peeled a few cloves of garlic, and threw them right in with the chickpeas.
Before the first round of blending, I added 1/3 cup of lemon juice, 
and 1/3 cup of tahini. (I actually had no idea what this was...it's a paste made from sesame seeds...it looks a lot like peanut butter. I found it in the health food section at Harmons, for all of you local FitMePeeps.)
I gave the blender a whirl, sort of (don't tell my husband) wished my blender had a tamper like the VitaMix so I could push the stuff down, but eventually had a nice, smooth paste 
to which I added 1/2 cup roasted red peppers,
and 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil. 
I blended away until I got this:
with which I promptly did this: (I obviously didn't document the actual first bite...sorry...no one likes "see-food").
And I wondered why my house was so quiet until I saw this:
What a nice surprise. Whether it was the quiet cooking time, the pregnancy-induced love of all things edible, or my determination to find non-meat-or-dairy items my entire family will consume, the hummus was a success. And yes--my kids and husband loved it!
Next, I peeled a few cloves of garlic, and threw them right in with the chickpeas.Before the first round of blending, I added 1/3 cup of lemon juice, and 1/3 cup of tahini. (I actually had no idea what this was...it's a paste made from sesame seeds...it looks a lot like peanut butter. I found it in the health food section at Harmons, for all of you local FitMePeeps.)I gave the blender a whirl, sort of (don't tell my husband) wished my blender had a tamper like the VitaMix so I could push the stuff down, but eventually had a nice, smooth paste to which I added 1/2 cup roasted red peppers,and 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil. I blended away until I got this:with which I promptly did this: (I obviously didn't document the actual first bite...sorry...no one likes "see-food").And I wondered why my house was so quiet until I saw this:
What a nice surprise. Whether it was the quiet cooking time, the pregnancy-induced love of all things edible, or my determination to find non-meat-or-dairy items my entire family will consume, the hummus was a success. And yes--my kids and husband loved it!We've been eating it with chips, raw veggies, as a spread on sandwiches (put some in a pita pocket with cucumbers and tomatoes--yum!), with rice crackers, etc. So versatile, so good, and SO EASY to make! (And so great that my funny husband didn't call it poop-on-a-cracker!)
Have a happy (and healthy) weekend!
5 comments:
Yum- I love hummus. I think I might have to go out and get some today. Here we have more types of hummus than I imagined existed, yummy!
I made hummus once and have wanted to try making it again. I love it. I might have to try your ingredients.
We love making hummus! I haven't tried it with red peppers though - that sounds good too. I like to make homemade whole wheat flat bread to eat it with - it is enjoyed by all here too!
Cute kids! I love when all goes quiet (doesn't happen much with four) and usually if it is quiet it may mean trouble! :)
We LOVE hummus, except kevin won't touch it. Anyway, I like to add the red peppers at the very end and just pulse it a couple of times. MMMMM, that way you get to taste them more - they are little chunks still. We love it on peppers, cucumbers, celerey carrots, and plain brown rice cakes!
Oh, great idea with the peppers. I usually am not a huge fan of hummus but maybe this will cross me over. Thanks for the tips!
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