Cheap-O Hummus

Let's start this blog with a basic staple of every healthy kitchen. Hummus! It's full of fiber and nutrients, and it's just so dang good I eat it almost every day. This is my own, very basic recipe. I know that tahini paste can be expensive, so if you can't swing the price, or just can't find it, you can substitute a few shakes of sesame oil instead.

2 15-ounce cans garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed (reserve juice from one can)

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 tablespoons lemon juice

4 garlic cloves, minced

4 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce (use gluten-free, if preferred)

2 tablespoons tahini paste (or a few shakes of sesame oil)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon cumin

• Place all ingredients into a blender (for smoother hummus) or a food processor (for chunkier hummus). 
• Add reserved bean juice a couple of tablespoons at a time, until desired consistency is reached. I use almost the entire can of juice in my hummus.  I like it really creamy!
• When you get ready to serve, sprinkle with a dash of paprika, and spritz a little lime juice on top. Green onions on top are nice too!
• We like dipping carrot sticks (cheapest organic veggie on the market right now) and baked tortilla chips into it. I also like to spread some on a whole wheat tortilla with a bit of salsa and green onion, and grill it up like a quesadilla.
• Makes about 8 servings.
• Enjoy!