Hummus

A very versatile dip or spread perfect for Super Bowl Sunday. All ingredients are “cool” or “neutral” except for those noted.

15 oz. can of garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained

¼ cup olive oil

¼ cup tahini (ground sesame seed paste)

¼ cup lemon juice

1 small clove garlic, minced finely (about ½ tsp) (“warm”) or 1/8 tsp garlic powder (“hot”)

¼ to ½ tsp sea salt (Use less salt if adding chopped olives.)

Optional additions:

1 TBSP extra lemon juice

1TBSP extra virgin olive oil swirled on top at time of serving

 ¼ cup pitted olives, chopped

¼ tsp paprika or smoked paprika (“warm”)

Place all ingredients in a food processor or a medium bowl if you are using an immersions blender.  Blend together until smooth.  You may need to intermittently stop, stir up the chunky bits, and return to blending.  Serve immediately or make ahead and refrigerate overnight to blend the flavors. 

Serve with pita bread, pita chips, olives, baby carrots, sliced cucumbers, & cherry or grape tomatoes.