Appetizers

Loaded with fiber, hummus makes a great dip for pita bread and vegetables, and you can also use it as a sandwich spread. It is a delicious and nutritious alternative to mayonnaise as it contains more nutrients. Try different variations, including red pepper, chickpeas, sundried tomatoes, and lentils.

Ingredients:
1 garlic clove, peeled
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon tahini (roasted sesame seed paste)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained, or use dried cooked black beans
1 small jalapeño pepper, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
Dash of crushed red pepper
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
Dash of ground red pepper

Directions:
Place garlic in a food processor; process until finely chopped. Add lemon juice, tahini, cumin, salt, black beans, jalapeño pepper, and crushed red pepper; process until smooth. Spoon bean mixture into a medium bowl, and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil. Sprinkle with ground red pepper. Serve with pita chips.

This artichoke hummus puts a fun twist on traditional hummus and is full of healthy ingredients. It is totally delicious and is sure to be a crowd pleaser. It goes well served with salad, chopped vegetables, pita bread, or over top of steamed greens.

Ingredients:
1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed, or use cooked dried chickpeas
1 can artichoke hearts
2 tbsp tahini
3 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic
2 tbsp lemon juice

Directions:
Puree all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Serve with slices of carrots or celery, bean chips, corn chips, or over the top of steamed greens.

This is another one of my stand-by snacks!  I have always loved hummus but making your own beats any store-bought.  You can spice this up by adding cayenne pepper.

Ingredients:
2 cups chickpeas, soaked overnight, then cooked in vegetable stock
1/2 cup of chickpea water, from the cooked beans
1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 cup chopped mint
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
3 tbsp Tahini (sesame butter)
2-3 tablespoons of Lemon Juice

Directions:
Puree all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add the Chickpea water slowly and as needed to make the hummus the right consistency.