Hummus is yummus, at least to me. What better way to start your day in a fibre way than a gooey layer of hummus on toast?
Lately I have been hankering to give hummus making a try. It seems simple, just a few ingredients and my handy-dandy food processor and I should have a supply of the yummy goodness all ready for my 5 am toast!
I have chick peas, garlic, oil and spices on hand – what more could I need than perhaps a red pepper and a few spices? Therein lies the hitch.
One of the key ingredients my Googling tells me is Tahini, aka Sesame Paste, which MUST be included in kosher Hummus (funny since Hummus is of Arabic origin). At my local grocery store Tahini is found in the ‘organic’ section at about 8 bucks for a small container! Hmmm, this is starting to get a bit pricey since I can buy a decent sized tub of Hummus for about the same price.
James Barber used to say that what is in the cupboard goes into what is on the table! If you are out of beef, use chicken, out of red peppers try green etc. So what could I use instead of Tahini that fits within my price profile?
In the dairy section you can buy 6 – 8% plain Balkan yogurt for about $3.99. Now THAT is more like it!
So here is my Heretical Hummus, and by the way yogurt is ulta smooth and REALLY yummy!
Heretical Hummus
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 18 Oz. can of Chick Peas
- 1/2 roasted Red Pepper cut in slices (or Green)
- 1 TSp crushed Garlic
- 3/4 TSp Salt
- 1/2 TSp Smoked Paprika
- 1/4 TSp Cumin
- 2 TBsp Water
- 1/2 Cup Balkan Yogurt
- 2 Tbsp Oil (Olive is best but I used Sunflower)
Whirr together the first nine ingredients (basically everything but the Oil) in the processor for 1 minute until the mixture is smooth to your liking. Test for taste and add more Cumin, Garlic or Paprika to your palate.
Drizzle the oil into the food processor as it whirrs for another minute or so. Test for taste again.
Scoop out the Hummus into an airtight container and pop in the fridge to chill.
And that’s it!
James Barber would be proud.