Hummus is one of those things that I go forever without making, then decide to do it one day and wonder what I have been doing with my life… because… WHOAH….. this stuff is so good. Hello old friend, I am so sorry I have snubbed you lately, but we are working on rectifying this situation, ASAP. If you are convinced you are not a hummus fan, I dare you to try a homemade version, because the store bought stuff pales in comparison to a fresh batch.
Hummus is originally a Mediterranean spread made with Tahini (ground up sesame seeds) and chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans). There are many different variations of hummus out there, and I love that you can change out the flavor based on what you have in your pantry and fridge. I had a jar of sundried tomatoes lurking in the fridge, so this was an easy decision to make a sundried tomato hummus. Coming soon is a jalapeno and cilantro version! I threw in some roasted garlic because I’m always looking for an excuse to use it. I explain the reasoning behind roasting the garlic in my roasted tomato soup recipe. You could also use a clove or two of fresh garlic in place of the roasted garlic, but the flavor of roasted garlic is so beautiful and mild, I recommend that you go this route if you can. I roast a few heads at a time and store the rest in the fridge for other uses.
Hummus is great as a snack/appetizer with fun dippables such as tortilla or pita chips, carrots, celery or snap peas. It’s also pretty delish as a spread in a sandwich or wrap. I’ve even used it to top chicken and bake for an out of this world entree. The options are endless here, so just whip up a batch and find exciting ways to enjoy it. Let the dipping begin!
- 1 whole head garlic
- 2 cans garbanzo beans, drained
- 3 Tablespoons tahini paste
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ½ cup sundried tomatoes packed in oil
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika
- broth or water for thinning
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut the top ⅓ off a head of garlic (do not peel), drizzle it with about a teaspoon of olive oil and rub. Wrap in foil and bake for 30 minutes until the garlic is soft and a little brown. Allow to cool enough to touch.
- Squeeze garlic out of the skin into a food processor bowl, or blender. Add all the other ingredients and blend until smooth. If it is too thick, add a little water or broth to get it to a smooth consistency.
- Drizzle with a olive oil when ready to serve. Great with fresh veggies such as carrots, celery, and snap peas, or with pita chips.
Weekly reflection:
Ever notice how certain songs just speak to you so much louder than others? I find that depending on what is going on in my life, some songs bring such life to me. I am in a season where a song by Zach Williams might as well be on repeat 24/7. The title is “Fear is a liar”. I have found myself battling fear so much lately, and I am having to remind myself that this is not the place for me to camp out. I am learning to run to God’s word and truth. His perfect love drives out my fear. I am learning to surrender daily to the fact that God knows my deepest desires, hopes, and fears, and he is working on my behalf. Fear WILL NOT win. Not when Jesus already paid such a heavy price for my freedom.
Psalm 34:4 “I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.”
When he told you you’re not right
When he told you you’re not strong enough
To put up a good fight
When he told you you’re not worthy
When he told you you’re not loved
When he told you you’re not beautiful
That you’ll never be enough
He will take your breath
Stop you in your steps
Fear he is a liar
He will rob your rest
Steal your happiness
Cast your fear in the fire
‘Cause fear he is a liar
You’ll forever be alone
When he told you you should run away
You’ll never find a home
When he told you you were dirty
And you should be ashamed
When he told you you could be the one
That grace could never change
He will take your breath
Stop you in your steps
Fear he is a liar
He will rob your rest
Steal your happiness
Cast your fear in the fire
‘Cause fear he is a liar
Let Your fire fall Your love is all I feel
Let Your fire fall Your love is all I feel
Let Your fire fall Your love is all I feel
Let Your fire fall Your love is all I feel
He will take your breath
Stop you in your steps
Fear he is a liar
He will rob your rest
Steal your happiness
Cast your fear in the fire
‘Cause fear he is a liar