Hummus (v)

I love that you can get pre-packaged hummus at pretty much any grocery store, but if you can make it yourself, do it.  Chick peas are only 79 cents a can, and homemade hummus beats the pants off of the grocery store stuff any day.  It is a staple in my fridge all summer long.  It makes a great light and easy meal, not to mention it's healthy and cheap to make!  I always use tahini that has been roasted, so be sure to look for that kind, and if you can find it, get it.  The brand I use is called Joyva and comes in an orange and white can.  Unroasted tahini is fine, but the flavor is a lot different!  I make hummus constantly throughout the summer.  Don't limit yourself to chick peas, other beans make great hummus dips too!

this is the good stuff

Hummus

In a food processor combine and blend well:

1 can chick peas, drained

juice of 1 lemon

1 Tbs. olive oil

1/4 cup tahini

1/4 tsp. salt

1 clove garlic

Blend until creamy and well combined.  You may need to add a little water to help blend.
Transfer toa serving dish and top with a splash of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika.

This is the basic recipe.  I always add something to this, cumin, black pepper, oregano; but my favorite addition is a jar of roasted red peppers, drained.  You can also add a jar of artichoke hearts or chopped black olives.  Possibilities are limitless, really.