If there's one thing I'm into right now it's Mediterranean food. My husband and I have been gracing the doors of one of our favorites (Zoe's Kitchen) pretty frequently lately! I love their options... most being rich in veggies, healthy fats, fiber, and loads of other nutrients. I always get full, but never feel stuffed (I hate that feeling when you know you've WAY over eaten-- I'm looking at you Thanksgiving!!). One of my favorite things about Zoe's is their hummus. Seriously it's the best. It so smooth and creamy, I wish I could 100% perfect the flavor and texture combo of this hummus. This recipe comes as close to my favorite as I have been able to get, which is saying something. But there's a trick, and it's going to cost you... an hour of your time. SORRY but it's true. To get delicious smooth hummus you've got to put in the time! But here's how I made it go by in what felt like a few minutes.
First gather up what you need. Drain 2 cans of chickpeas into a colander, reserve the liquid for later. Put the colander into a slightly larger bowl, note that you can see the open edges. Next take the bowl and the 2 empty cans to your couch--- huh? Wait what? Yep you heard me, march right into your living room, turn on your favorite Netflix show and get started.
The secret to great hummus at home is de-shelled chickpeas! When I've made hummus at home it's always been really gritty, good... but gritty. And gritty is unpleasant. So if you can take the time to remove all these little shells you will be left with a much creamier product in the end. So like I said to make the time pass by, you may want something to distract you... I chose a couple Netflix shows. The process is really easy, just take a chickpea between two fingers and pinch. The shell will easily fall off. I discarded the shells into the crack between the colander and bowl as I was working and threw the naked chickpeas back into the empty cans. Keep a paper towel by as well so you can wipe off your fingers periodically.
The total process for the 2 cans took me about an hour. But I look at it as a productive way to watch tv ;)
Goodbye shells!
The rest is easy-peasy! Just throw all the ingredients into your blender and whirl away! (Printable recipe here)
Garnish with olive oil and paprika for the "classic" hummus look.
My mouth is watering! This hummus longs for pita bread, chips, or veggies. I get the BEST pita bread at Sprouts, and I'm not talking about pita pockets, you want the actual bread... I've not been able to find it anywhere. Thankfully our Sprouts opened up a few weeks ago and now I can get it whenever I want :)
Need a meal idea for an even BETTER excuse to make this hummus? Well okay! Try making chicken gyros (you've already got the pita bread right?!) You just saute a few chicken tenders and place on warm pita bread, top with yellow onion, green bell pepper, tomatoes, and feta cheese. Add some tzatziki for an even more Greek feel... so DELICIOUS.
Another great side item is tabouleh! It's basically just quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley (curly), olive oil and some spices. Most boxes of quinoa have the recipe on the back.
So there you have it! A wonderful, healthy, EASY dinner that you'll want to make again and again!
Now this is the perfect bite.
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