The other day I bought a carton of Roasted Red Pepper Hummus at Trader Joe’s. I should never go into that store because it’s like the third level of hell for seduction. Organic Chocolate bars. (Not that good.) Three Buck Chuck. (Cheap, but worse than David Haase's Dandelion wine.) Chocolate covered blueberries. (They look pretty.) Toasted macadamia nuts. (Stale.) Maple syrup Grade B? Grade A? You’d think the hummus would be okay. But, no. It tasted moldy and had way too much garlic or something. This is the second try for hummus this year. Apparently I forget how good it is when you make it yourself. And doesn’t cost much either. This is really easy but you’ve got to think ahead one day so you can get the beans soaking. You might even want to double it, you'll love yourself if you do.
Hummus
Begin by soaking one cup of garbanzo beans for 24 hours. Not just overnight. Place in saucepan with 1 t. olive oil, bring to a boil and simmer until beans are tender, about one hour. Stir occasionally. Add more water if necessary to keep them covered. When garbanzos are done, they still have substance and are a little al dente. Drain, reserving the broth. Cool.
Option: Substitute 1 can of garbanzo beans if you must. Drain, reserve broth.
Place beans in blender. Along with:
1 large clove garlic, chopped
3 T. fresh lemon juice
½ t. ground cumin
¼ c. tahini (ground sesame seeds)
(Flavor improves if you can wait to eat it.)
Blend, adding broth until you like the consistency. Spoon onto a shallow dish, drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle a bit of red chile flakes on the top.
Serve with pita, chips, crackers, what ever sounds good.
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12 comments:
this post made me get out of my "why in the world can't we have a trader joe's!" funk.
and i think you are the first person i've met who was truly honest about the "three buck chuck." so many people say, though quite hesitantly, "yeah...it's...good..."
not that trader joe's doesn't have good things to offer. and deep down i still want one.
I've never been successful at making homemade hummus. I'll have to give this one a try. I'm glad you've found a good recipe. (and glad you've shared it!)
ouch. i love TJ's. not only do i love their food but their employees are so kind and helpful!
but, thx for the wonderful hummus recipe. i'll be sure to make it.
Kelly, I still love going to TJs. Just trying to talk myself out of some of what I think I need.
How funny -- I just made hummus last weekend from a nearly-identical recipe. I also add 1/2 cup of roasted red peppers (from a jar), which makes it more expensive but adds a nice flavor and color. I take it to parties all the time, and I'm afraid now that my friends only invite me for the hummus. I even sent a bowl of it in my place once, and no one mentioned my absence. So it's a recipe to be cautious with. It takes on a life of its own. :)
Thank you! I've been wanting to make my own hummus for weeks now.
your yummy recipe is like mine, only i don't add cumin. i'll have to try it.
also, i sometimes add red peppers or olives (food processed to mush).
but always after putting in a bowl, we drizzle olive oil and grind LOTS of black pepper on.
comfort food, even with veggies!
Having eaten this, I can affirm it is to die for.
Do you cook the beans in the soak water or drain and rinse, first?
We also have an very similar recipe. Ours calls for 1/4 - 1/2 tsp each of cayenne and paprika, which I only sometimes use.
If you ever want a change, try it with black beans instead of garbanzos.
Jason, I do cook the beans in the soak water. It kinda foams when it comes to a boil and just spoon it off. I've heard that you keep more of the nutrients that way. The addition of paprika and cayenne sounds good.
Sue, I don't know why I've never added the roasted red pepper myself.
I made hummus the other night with powdered garbanzo, for a potluck. It ended up being the sort of thing you eat the next day by yourself for lunch. Glad to have this new, "to die for" recipe!
I am so glad Jenni gave a link to this because I have been wanting to try and make your hummus recipe! Looking forward to it since I've heard how great it is! Thanks!!
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