Roasted Garlic Hummus

Growing up in Dubai, I got spoiled with the best hummus around. You could go anywhere (like the Eat and Drink Cafe) and get a huge bowl of hummus with fresh, warm pita bread for practically nothing. It was nothing like the store bought "Sabra hummus" that everyone raves about, and is willing to drop $5 for. After I moved back to the states, I craved hummus. I started making it at home because 1. It was way cheaper and 2. It tasted amazing and more authentic. When I started dating Greg I let it be known that I would be making ethnic food and he would learn to love it. Luckily for me, I have made him cuisines from all over the world and he's loved every single one- especially hummus. 

Not only is hummus delicious on it's own, but it's also super versatile. You can eat it with practically any vegetable, bread or use it as a spread for your favorite sandwich. On top of that, it takes no more than five minutes to whip up and contains a lot of ingredients that would be stocked in your pantry anyways (or at least in mine).  I always joke that I could eat this stuff with a spoon but I'm really not kidding, it's that good.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups Chickpeas or garbanzo beans

1/2 cup Olive Oil

5 Small garlic cloves

3 medium lemons, juiced

1/2 cup Tahini paste (Paste made from toasted ground sesame seeds, found in international isle at store)

1/4 cup Water

1/2 t. Salt

1 t. Cumin

Sprinkle of cayenne 

1/4 t. Black pepper 

Directions: 

1. Roast garlic in olive oil in 350 degree oven until tender (or in the microwave for about 2 minutes). 

2. Take the olive oil and softened garlic cloves and blend with the rest of the ingredients with a blender or food processor. Adjust seasoning to preferences. 

2. Drizzle top with olive oil and a dash of paprika for color. Enjoy! 

No tricks here. It really is that simple. You can also make different variations of this recipe if you like such as adding roasted red peppers for an earthy taste and pop of color. As for me, I love it just the way it is. A little taste of my past.