Hummus

gluten free / vegan
My husband's recipe for hummus - a little different take on a yummy appetizer.
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​Hummus - what can I say? 
I can eat an entire quart container of this stuff, without blinking an eye!  It didn't start out that way...
The first time I ate hummus was at a party with a blind date.  I noticed that he didn't partake, but I ate quite a bit before I realized it was full of garlic.  Oops!  Needless to say, there was no goodnight kiss or second date.  His loss!
I didn't have hummus again for quite awhile; its popularity seems to come and go in cycles.  The next time I had it, my boyfriend made it for me!  (Now my husband - he withstood the garlic with ease.)  He makes the best hummus and this is his recipe.
It's so easy; I even taught my 3rd grade class to make this for our around-the-world geography food journey. 

Ingredients
2 cups chick peas (garbanzo beans), canned (or fresh cooked from dried beans)
2 Tablespoons Tahini (sesame butter)
zest and juice of 2 lemons
3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons dried oregano
1 Tablespoon cumin
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
salt and pepper to taste
For garnish:  dash of paprika on top
If more liquid is needed, add teaspoons of tomato sauce.
Steps
  1. Combine all except paprika and tomato sauce in blender or food processor.  If you're using a blender, you will need to separate into a couple of batches, until it's blended.  Then combine.
  2. Blend or process until fairly smooth.  If it's too thick, add a little tomato sauce.  If it's too thin, don't worry too much - it will thicken as it cools.
  3. Transfer to serving bowl and chill at least 4 hours or overnight.  Garnish with paprika on top.
  4. Serve with toasted pita bread, raw veggies, crackers, tortilla chips, etc.
  5. Keeps in refrigerator for about a week.