Creative suggestions for an already great hummus

[CyberSlag5k]

I make a pretty mean hummus, if I do say so myself. I simply throw in a can of chick peas, a little olive oil, a little lemon juice, some cumin, some curry, like 2-3 cloves of garlic, and a bit of tahineh paste into a blender and puree. It comes out great. I am quite pleased with it. In fact, I suggest everyone try exactly that. It's a great snack, I'd imagine it's pretty healthy, and 1 can of chick peas makes a TON of hummus. It's especially nice if you're going to a party and want to bring something.

That being said, I'm interested in making this great snack even better. So I'm looking for suggestions on how all of you fine people do hummus? Anyone have any interesting twists they've tried with some success? Or even something creative to put it on? I've found hard boiled eggs and hummus make a mean combo. Kinda like an easy deviled egg of sorts.

So what should I try? Vinegar? Basil and tomatoes? Bread crumbs? It's not broken, so let's fix it!

I look forward to your suggestions. Go nuts! Hmm...nuts? Walnuts, perhaps?

[abjcooking]

I haven't actually made my own hummus, but I do buy it quite a bit. These are some of the options they have at the store. It might give you some ideas.

kalamata hummus
roasted red bell pepper hummus
jalapeno hummus
Greek eggplant
Dill Hummus
Roasted Garlic
Scallion Hummus

[GB]

Check out the hummus section in your supermarket for some great ideas. There are tons of flavors you can add. Your imagination is the only limit. Some of my favorites are pesto, roasted red pepper, artichoke, olive, garlic, lemon, dill, Chili Pepper, Scallion, Roasted Eggplant, Sun Dried Tomato, Jalapeno, and many more.

[ironchef]

Although I love to fuse and create things, hummus to me is one of those dishes that are best left in it's pure form. I can't really think of anything that would actually enhance the natural flavor of it. To me, too much of a stronger flavor would just overpower the base recipe. Probably if you added only a little (the kalamatta or nicoise olives might be good) of something it would work best.

By all means though, try and experiment and report back with your findings

[marmalady]

Garlic - either roasted or raw (each has its own flavor) is awesome in hummus.

Also, sometimes I make mine with half chick peas and half navy beans or Great Northern Beans.

[Zereh]

I like some cilantro in mine.


Z

[Sandyj]

A good friend brought this to my home for a bbq starter, she served it with wholewheat pita, which we toasted and cut into triangles. It tasted so fresh to me - I buy the supermarket hummus and it's good, but this was outstanding - totally delicious! -Sandyj

Serves 4


8-ounce can chickpeas

2 garlic cloves, coarsely crushed

6 tablespoons lemon juice

4 tablespoons tahini
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin

salt and freshly ground black pepper

paprika to garnish





1)Drain the chickpeas, reserving the liquid from the can, and put them in a blender or food processor. Blend to a smooth paste, adding a small amount of the reserved liquid, if necessary.

2)Mix the garlic, lemon juice and tahini together and add to the blender or food processor. Process until smooth. With the machine running, gradually add 3 tablespoons of the olive oil through the feeder tube or lid.

3)Add the cumin. Season with salt and pepper. Process to mix. Scrape the hummus into a serving bowl. Cover and chill until required.

4)Sprinkle with paprika, and serve with pita bread or toasted pita points



For a stronger nutty flavor, substitute smooth peanut butter for the tahini paste. This is also delicious served with panfried or broiled eggplant or red pepper slices.

[Sandyj]

I was in such a hurry to share my friend's recipe that I didn't re-read yours - they're almost exactly the same. Sorry about that. Well, at least you know someone else thinks the hummus from that recipe is fabulous! -Sandyk

[Haggis]

One simple addition I like to make to hummous, particularly if you are using it as a dip is mixing some extra-virgin olive oil (or milder olive oil, depending on your taste) with some hot/sweet paprika (once again depending on your preference) and drizzling it over the top. Looks good too.

Anyway thats just something I like doing occasionally.

[mish]

Grilled Portobello Mushroom with Hummus and Feta Cheese
Serving Size:4

4 large portobello mushrooms
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Olive Oil
1 (8-ounce) container hummus
Feta cheese
1 loaf good crusty bread, cut into 4 sections

Preheat the grill.

Pop out the stem from portobello mushrooms. Season both sides of mushrooms. Start by drizzling olive oil (not too much, just a slight drizzle), some salt and fresh black pepper. Cook mushrooms over a hot fire for about 4 minutes on each side.

Meanwhile: Split the pieces of bread, and pull out some of the soft center to make a hole for the mushroom burger. Place the bread face down on the grill to toast.

Place the mushroom burger in the bread, and top with a tablespoon of hummus and a chunk of feta cheese right in the middle and cover with a piece of bread.