This week I went on a do-it-yourself-spree in the kitchen, making my own versions of some of our regularly consumed food items that we usually purchase at the store. I made my own hummus, baked pita chips and granola. The pita chips were okay, but the hummus and granola were great!
With grocery prices on the rise, it can often be more economic to go the homemade route. Plus, you have more control over the ingredients, allowing the possibility of healthier, fresher, and better tasting food.
I was introduced to hummus a few years ago, and have since wanted to make my own. I finally got around to buying a container of tahini, the ground sesame seed paste necessary for hummus. So I went to work with my food processor. The hummus was delicious, with a bold garlic taste. We had them with some fresh baked whole wheat pita chips.
It was so unbelievably simple to make, I began chiding myself for not doing this sooner. But I plan to make up for lost time by trying variations to this basic recipe in the near future. Like eggplant. And roasted red pepper. The hummus possibilities are endless, my friends!
Hummus
1 19 ounce can chickpeas, drained
1 lemon (zest and juice)
2 tablespoons tahini
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove of garlic
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper
Set aside 12 whole chickpeas. Puree remaining chickpeas, lemon zest and juice, tahini, olive oil and garlic in a food processor until smooth. Add some water to bring it to desired consistency. Garnish with whole chickpeas, paprika, parsley, salt and pepper.
The Larissa Monologues 
oooh! i’m so inspired now! good job!
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!!!!I love hummus! It’s so easy to make too. I’m playing with the different amounts of garlic to add and using garlic salt as opposed to regular sea or kosher salt.Making your own pita chips is easy as well. Slice up some pitas, salt them and bake in an over at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
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hummus is like a drug to me…and i don’t want any help to quit my habit!
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There is a guy at my work that makes beautiful hummus. My favorite is chocolate and chipotle. Sounds disgusting, but ohhhh, soooo good.
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I love Hummus! Thanks for the recipe!
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I used to make hummus until it became easy to purchase in a store. But, I’ve been considering going back to the homemade route lately. I just need to find that tahini paste!
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oooh this looks so tasty. i absolutely love hummus.
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I think this is the part where I invite myself over to your house for dinner, haha!
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Lovely stuff – so easy to make and what is in there that makes them charge so much at the store?
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Odd – every recipe I come across calls for tahini. I just use 2 Tbsp. of sesame seeds. Works like a charm! And tastes better, too.My recipe also calls for nutmeg, not paprika. You should try it sometime. It’s killer. Love your photo. What kind of camera do you use for food photography?
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hihellohow was your day?i liked your blogyou are fantastic!!!really nice blogfabulous fantasticbyetake caresee you
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Noel: Pita chips ARE really easy. And so good!Captain Steve: Chocolate and chipotle sounds adventurous, but I’d be willing to try anything.Meg: I use a Canon DS200, a pretty basic and reliable camera.
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YUM! This turned out so well! And what an easy recipe. Love the lemon.
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ooo I make a similar hummus, but I’m going to try yours next! I heart home made hummus 🙂 and that pic makes yours look ten times better then mine
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Num. I’m hungry.
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wow! I’ve been wanting to try making this! Is it possible to use dried chickpeas for this?
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Mrs. Ergul – I’m not sure about using dried chickpeas. Every recipe I’ve seen calls for canned. But give it a try!
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That looks really good! I haven’t tried making hummus yet, although I have made homemade pita bread with this recipe: http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/RecipeDisplay?RID=63. It’s surprisingly easy to make the bread itself, and really fun. 🙂
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