Basic Hummus

Happy New Year!

Actually, I don't really like New Years all that much. Shocker, I know.

It's just that it's an entire holiday revolving around staying up late, loud noises, and crowds. And if you know me at all, I can't stand any of those things. This year, I stayed up just late enough to go up to the near-empty roof of our apartment and watch fireworks go off at midnight, then I went to bed. That was enough to satisfy me.

Also, last complaint, it's pointless to make resolutions just to break them. Do you know how many people do that?! Plus, is one big decision to change really going to be very effective??

Ok, I'm done ranting. And I've got a recipe for those of you who made the resolution to eat healthier: hummus!
In case you haven't heard it before, this mediterranean food has fantastic health benefits including—but definitely not limited to—being high in fiber, protein, and iron, helping lower cholesterol, and even helping prevent some cancers. But remember, all things in moderation: it's pretty high in calories (I definitely don't take my own advice on this point...).

Hummus is surprisingly easy to make—basically, you just toss all of your ingredients into the food processor and BAM you've got hummus. This is a simple, basic hummus recipe that my family really likes. We've tried some more elaborate recipes that just weren't as good. But that's our tastebuds—yours may be different, which is why it's such a great thing that hummus can easily be adjusted to spice it up! And, have extra hummus? Just throw it in the freezer.

Plus, it's super versatile. Here's some ideas on what to eat it with:
-Dip pita bread, pita chips, or veggies in it
-Spread it on a sandwich or wrap
-Dollop it over your salad
-Put it on a burger

I've used Smitten Kitchen's whole wheat pita bread recipe a few times before, and it's turned out pretty tasty every time. Ours didn't puff up as much as the pictures, but that is probably because we skimped on a lot of the rising. We probably rise it for about an hour in a very warm place, then pretty much completely skip the second and third rises after they are shaped into disks. To bake, we use a baking sheet, sprinkle them with water, and do not let the oven reheat each time we open it. I don't have time to wait for pita to puff...so they may not be perfect, but they are tasty!

Isn't hummus just about the perfect food???

So, whether you've made a resolution to eat healthier or not, hummus is a good option!

Hummus
Time: 15 minutes
Makes: 2 1/2 cups

Notes:
-I have successfully used limes instead of lemons in this recipe.
-I have also successfully used homemade tahini (sesame seed paste) in this recipe.
-Do not confuse Mediterranean sumac with poisonous American sumac.
-There is a way to use dried chickpeas if you have those on hand.

Recipe from: http://altonbrown.com/hummus-recipe/

Nutritional information from: http://www.naturalnews.com/049453_hummus_iron_fiber.html