Recipe: Homemade Hummus (low salt, food processor)

HUMMUS
"Hummus is a versatile, easy-to-prepare, nutritious and delicious spread or dip. The Arabic word hummus actually means chickpeas; the spread we call hummus would be translated as chickpeas with tahini."


"Hummus is commonly served as a dip with pita bread, but it is also great with raw vegetables, like carrots, celery and bell pepper slices. Serve hummus as a sandwich on mini whole-wheat pita with sliced tomatoes and cucumbers layered on top. This pairs well with a nice hot lentil soup."

2 cans (15 oz. each) no-salt-added chickpeas, drained, liquid reserved
5 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup tahini*
5 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 Tbsp. chickpea liquid
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste
Paprika or parsley sprigs for garnish, optional

Place all ingredients except salt and optional garnish in food processor. Process until mixture is coarsely pureed. Add salt to taste.

Serve at room temperature or chilled. Garnish with a dash of paprika or parsley sprigs.

Makes 10 servings.

Per 1/4 cup serving: 144 calories, 7 g total fat (1 g saturated fat), 16 g carbohydrate, 6 g protein, 5 g dietary fiber, 13 mg sodium.

*Tahini is ground sesame seed paste that adds creaminess and a distinctive nutty flavor. You can find it in glass jars in the refrigerated section or canned in the international section of most large grocery stores.

Source: the American Institute for Cancer Research