Hummus (or how to make children love legumes)

In the Middle East a wide variety of spreads made out of legumes are enjoyed , being the most popular the Hummus which is made with chickpeas and tahini (a sesame seed paste).

Homemade hummus lasts perfectly if stored in a container with lid inside the fridge and it is a great way to make children eat legumes.

For children it is better to make it smooth and not too spicy, reducing the amount of garlic, cumin and olive oil to the minimum or even to make it wth salt, lemon and a neutral oil such as grape seed oil only.

It won't be too "sexy" but little ones will love to dip their crackers and veggies into it and will be a perfect addition for simple sandwiches.

You may do simple variations to the recipe below, by adding the following ingredients:

- sliced olives

- roasted and minced bell peppers

- any seeds like pistachos, sunflower seeds, pinions

- chili paste

- or if you would like to try a latinamerican twist, add one avocado to the mix.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

- 2 cups cooked chickpeas (peeled). or the same quantity canned chickpeas.

- approximately 1/4 cup cooking water (same for canned chickpeas)

- 3 to 6 tbsp. tahini (1 tbsp. for children or omit)

- 1 t0 2 garlic cloves (omit for children)

- 1 tsp. salt

- the juice of 1 lemon

- 1/4 tsp. grind cumin

- 2 tbsp. (aprox) minced coriander or parsley or a mix of both

- 1 tbsp. olive oil.

Preparation:

1) In a food processor, mix together the chickpeas, tahini, cook water, lemon juice, garlic cloves, salt and cumin. If the mixture is too dry, add more water or lemon juice until the paste has the texture of mayonaise. This operation can be made with a mini pimmer (manual food processor)

2) Pour the hummus in a deep plate, and spread making a hole in the center of the dish. Decorate with whole chickpeas, olive oil, coriander and or parsley.

Note: If you would like a smother hummus, add 1 tbsp oil to the mixture.

As usual, I would appreciate if you say Hi in the comments and perhaps leave me a message... :)

Beteavón,

Yael

#Vegan #English #Israel #chickpeas