Sunday, June 1, 2014

Sesame Free Hummus

My daughter adores hummus, even though she can not have sesame.

 I love that it is so cheap and easy to make.  It's an ideal summer lunch or afternoon snack when paired with veggies for dipping, and it goes together faster than your kids can have a hungry tummy meltdown. Win-win.

I use this recipe, and two of my three kids love it. Give it a whirl and see how it goes over at your house.

Sesame free Hummus

1 15 ounce can white beans, drained and rinsed
juice from 1/2 of one lemon
1-2 Tbsp Sunbutter (or nut/seed butter of choice- optional)
1 small clove garlic
2-3 Tbsp olive oil
1/2-1 tsp kosher sea salt (to taste)
1/2 tsp ground cumin
dash paprika- for serving (also optional)

Add everything to the food processor and turn on.  Let it whirl away for a few minutes.  Really, give it 2-3 minutes to get smooth and creamy, don't be tempted to turn it off early!  Whirl past that initial impression of it being blended, the extra time creates luscious creamy texture.

For this recipe, you can use any white bean your kids like, mine especially like cannellini beans.  I like to use beans that have kombu included as an ingredient, as it makes the bean slightly softer and easier to digest.  If your house avoids garlic, leave it out!  Toss in the flavor element enjoyed in your home.  Leeks? Chives? Basil? Tweak the spices to match your tastes, there is no wrong way to do it.  Use a bit of water in place of the lemon juice, or pickle juice if you want.  Again, it's your tongue, make it happy with flavors you like!

Happy snacking!