Roasted Garlic Hummus & Pita Chips

My name is Laura and I'm a hummus snob.

There. I said it. 

Now that it's out in the open, let's chat about hummus. I know, it's super exciting, right?

But seriously. I blame it on the fact that I spent a short stint living in Israel- land of delicious hummus. I will admit that I often buy it from the store when I'm too lazy to make it...which is a little ridiculous because it's pretty easy to make.

Bonus: Hummus is a good source of protein and fiber (which is great for vegetarians like me)!

So let me explain this recipe, and the secrets to a great hummus.

Thing 1: Most hummus recipes have tahini (sesame paste) in them. It does add a creamy, nutty note, but is both hard to find & usually expensive. This recipe does include it, but feel free to leave it out of you can't find/don't want to buy it.

Thing 2: Use. Lots. Of. Garlic. Garlic is cheap and delicious, and roasting it makes it even more wonderful.

Thing 3: If you use canned chickpeas- take the time to take the "skins" off them. Yes, it's time consuming, but it'll lead to a creamier hummus!

Thing 4: This recipe is a simple, basic recipe. It's fine as is, or can be used as a base to add other flavors to (I usually add a couple teaspoons of chili powder).

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What you'll need

 (Hummus):

1 can chickpeas

1/4 cup (or less) chickpea liquid

1-2 Tbsp tahini paste

3 very large garlic cloves

zest & juice of half a lemon

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 1/2 Tbsp olive oil

(Pita Chips):

1 package white pita

olive oil

sea salt

paprika 

black pepper

How To Make It Happen:

Hummus:

Step 1: Toss your garlic cloves in olive oil and roast on a baking sheet for 20 minutes in a 350 degree oven.

Step 2: Separate chickpeas from liquid, retaining 1/4 of liquid for hummus. 

Step 3: Remove "skins" from chickpeas and discard. 

Step 4: Zest & juice half a lemon and add to cleaned chickpeas.

Step 5: Remove garlic from oven and remove skins off of the cloves. Add to food processor and pulse until well minced.

Step 6: Add chickpeas, lemon juice & zest, tahini and chickpea liquid into processor and begin processing. slowly add in olive oil.

Step 7: Take off processor top and scrape sides with spatula & do a taste test!

Step 8: Add salt and continue to process to desired consistency. Add more salt and pepper to taste if needed.

Step 9: Serve on plate with pita chips, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika for garnish!

Pita Chips:

Step 1: Slice pita in triangles and lay on baking sheet side by side.

Step 2: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle sea salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 3: Toast at 300 degrees until golden brown (around 5 minutes)

remove chickpea skins for a creamier consistency

your roasted garlic will look like this! 

the finished product!

 Like I said: easy, delicious, healthy. 

Anyone else a hummus snob?

share your favorite brand/recipe with me!

xo,lp

Psssssssst: Still not sold on making your own hummus? These brands are my favorite!

 Best Store Bought Hummus:
#1  Sabra Hummus (both classic & roasted red pepper) is the best. creamy, smooth, garlicy love.
#2  Trader Joes Spicy Hummus is the perfect little kick, and is also creamy and delicious.
#3 Tribe (classic or garlic) great flavor, nice consistency.