Heavenly Hummus Food

HOMEMADE HUMMUS

Steps:

• Combine three 15-ounce cans chickpeas (drained and rinsed), 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon tahini, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 3 chopped garlic cloves, the juice of 1/2 lemon and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in a food processor or high-powered blender. Pulse until somewhat smooth, adding up to 1 cup water to reach the right consistency. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and pulse. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

HEAVENLY HUMMUS WRAP WITH HOMEMADE HUMMUS

Steps:

• For the onions: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the red onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until soft and deep golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside and let cool slightly.
• For the hummus: Meanwhile, combine the chickpeas, tahini, cumin, garlic, lemon juice and some salt in a blender. Pulse until the mixture becomes somewhat smooth and combined, but do not overmix. Add 1/2 to 1 cup cold water as needed to facilitate blending and reach the desired consistency. Add the olive oil and pulse a few more times just to incorporate. Taste and add more cumin, salt or garlic if needed. Pour the hummus into a bowl and stir to ensure it's combined. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• For the balsamic vinaigrette: Shake together the oil, vinegar and some salt and pepper in a Mason jar. This makes more than you'll need for 1 wrap; store the rest in the fridge and use for another salad.
• For the wrap: Grill the tortilla on a grill pan over medium heat just until it has grill marks on the outside, 1 minute. (If you don't have a grill pan, just use a skillet.) The tortilla should still be soft and pliable, with just a little bit of color! Let the tortilla cool slightly.
• To assemble the wrap, spread about 1/4 cup of the hummus down the middle third of the tortilla. Arrange the cooked onions and roasted red peppers all over the hummus. Add the artichoke heart halves. Toss the salad greens in 1 tablespoon of the balsamic vinaigrette, then lay them on the wrap. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta all over the greens. Carefully wrap up the tortilla, tucking in the ends. Slice the wrap down the middle, share with a friend and chow down!

HEAVENLY HUMMUS

Steps:

• In a food processor, puree the chickpees, tahini, 3 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice and garlic until smooth, adding a little of the reserved liquid if the mixture seems too thick; It will be slightly grainy.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Transfer to a shallow bowl or plate.
• Combine the paprika and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, drizzle the mixture over the top, and garnish with chipped parsley, if desired.
• Serve with pita bread triangles (I like "Recipe #179799" with parmesan cheese), cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped kalamata olives. Chopped sun-dried tomatoes are a good addition also.
• *HOMEMADE TAHINI PASTE:.
• 4 tablespoons sesame seeds.
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• 1/2 cup tepid water.
• Blend sesame seeds in a blender and grind until smooth.
• Add sesame oil, salt, and then slowly add 1/4 cup of water while blending.
• Blend until completely smooth.
• Makes 1 cup tahini paste.