Make your own hummus

Serve this easy Mediterranean spread with warmed whole-wheat pita bread or pita chips. For a different taste you can substitute white, butter or lima beans for garbanzos and 1 teaspoon toasted ground cumin seeds for the paprika.

MAKES 3 CUPS

Ingredients

  • 2 cans (16 ounces each) reduced-sodium garbanzos, rinsed and drained except for 1/4 cup liquid1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil1/4 cup lemon juice2 garlic cloves, minced1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper1/4 teaspoon paprika3 tablespoons tahini (sesame paste)2 tablespoons chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley

Directions

In a blender or food processor, add the garbanzos. Process to puree. Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, pepper, paprika, tahini and parsley. Blend well. Add the reserved liquid, 1 tablespoon at a time until the mixture has the consistency of a thick spread. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

(Source:  Mayo Clinic)

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