Simple Plain Hummus Dip

 Hummus is one of our favorite dip that can be used with a variety of food like tortilla chips, pita bread, pita chips and even vegetables like carrot, snap peas and so on. Also makes a great salad dressing or a side to a plate of cous cous. This is a high in protein low in fat healthy dip and super easy to make at home with some basic ingredients.

The star ingredient for Hummus is chickpeas - you can either use canned or cook the dry chickpeas at home. I prefer the latter as we do not buy canned food at home. Do save the water from cooking chickpeas to whip up a super yummy dessert - Vegan Chocolate Mousse!

The next main ingredient is the Tahini, which is nothing but the paste of sesame seeds. you can make them at home, but I usually get them in my local grocery store. If you cannot find it, feel free to skip it but this does add a great flavor to the dip.

The below recipe is a simple plain version with no added flavorings. Once you can make this, adding in additional flavors like roasted bell pepper, sun dried tomato, avocado and so on!

You can make the hummus in your food processor or blender. I have used my Nutri Bullet for making this. If you use your blender or nutri-bullet you might need a little more water when compared to making it in a food processor.

Ingredients Required:

Cooked Chickpea - 1.5 cups (or 1 can)

Fresh Lemon Juice - 1/4 cup

Tahini - 1/4 cup

Garlic - 2 cloves, minced

Olive Oil - 3 tblsp + 1 tblsp (for garnish)

Salt - to taste

Water - upto 1/4 cup

Paprika or Chilli Powder - 1 tsp (for garnish)

How to make?

• Take the lemon juice, tahini and 1 tblsp olive oil in a blender. Whip for 30 seconds, scrape down the sides and another 30 seconds till all of them are well incorporated and creamy
• Add the minced garlic and chickpeas along with salt and the remaining 2 tblsp of olive oil
• Blend well and scrape down the sides every 30 seconds.
• Add 2-3 tblsp of water to a consistency of your preference
• Keep churning till you get a creamy texture. Might take a couple of minutes
• Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika.