Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Wednesday - HUMPDAY!!!

Sometimes I wish the clock would slow down a tad... but hey, here we are - another Humpday and we need to find that simple celebration!

One of the easiest and tastiest things you can make is this...
Hummus
I've probably blogged about this before, but it's so good I'll probably blog about it again... if this is redundant, stay-tuned for my Woodworth Vineyards Merlot paired recipe coming on Thursday. In the meantime enjoy this with a nice bottle of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio and call it a day - A GOOD DAY!!!

HUMMUS RECIPE AFTER THE JUMP...

Basic Hummus

Ingredients:
  •     1 can of chickpeas/garbanzo beans (15 oz) – drain beans, but reserve liquid to use for thinning final mix as needed
  •     1/3 cup tahini
  •     1/4 cup lemon juice
  •     2 tablespoons olive oil
  •     1 garlic clove, crushed
  •    Salt to taste 
Embellishments
  •     ½  cup  to ¾  cup roasted red peppers (depending on taste)
  •     ½ cup to ¾ cup minced cilantro (depending on taste) – replace lemon with lime juice for this  method, and garnish with minced cilantro rather than parsley
  •    Add a pinch of cayenne for added heat
  •    Add minced fresh Jalapenos and a touch of cumin
  •    Add Calamata olives
  •    Used Olive oils crushed with added flavors – roasted garlic, basil, citrus, etc.
  •    GET CREATIVE!!!
Method:

In a food processor, combine all ingredients and process until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt as needed. 

Garnish with parsley (or what ever fresh herb you choose to use), and drizzle a touch of olive oil on top along with a pinch of paprika, or cayenne, etc. Serve with fresh pita bread or toasted pita chips. 

A little history lesson:


Hummus is a dip/spread that is made from chickpeas. Hummus is the Arabic word for chickpea. In Spanish it’s Garbonzo, and in Italian Cece.

Hummus is one of the oldest foods dating back to ancient Egypt. Chick Peas have been recorded in cooking for over 7,000 years.

Hummus is a basic recipe and tastes different everywhere and depending on who made it with what extra embellishments. When making hummus, keep your own taste buds in mind. The fun about Middle Eastern cooking is ingredient amounts aren't set in stone. Add a little of this and take away that and make it yours!

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