Sneak a Snack: Hummus from scratch!

 

The honest truth is I am not the biggest fan for the store bought hummus.  It has a weird after taste that  could not get over. I'm weird about after tastes, I like my food to linger all pleasant like. Regardless I did buy it every week for Gus. Hummus was a starter food, along with spicy stir fry, that brought my once picky eater husband into an exciting world of exciting food. He went from refusing any type of vegetable or whole food to asking for them every day! Hummus is the gateway drug to veggies! It makes them fun and I suggest you try it on your picky eater. It is like dipping your way to veggie love! For this remarkable turn around I do have store bought hummus to think! 

But homemade hummus is the way to go when all you have to go is up! No funny after taste and no crazy ingredients, just yummy whipped goodness!

At any rate hummus of any sort is a big hit in our home. But you really do want to go for the homemade stuff if possible. Made with dried chickpeas from the bulk section and yummy Tahini Paste it is healthy, easy, and so much tastier then store bought. Make up a huge batch to keep in the fridge next to some fresh cut veggies for a quick snack and the whole family will be happy.

I like mine on fresh veggies while Gus likes his spread thick on a whole wheat tortilla. Blip likes it in whatever way we will give it to him, especially spread on homemade bread or steamed veggies. I even have a friend who's toddler refuses just about anything healthy, but loves veggies and hummus... I think toddlers just like to dip food!

This recipe also gives you an excuse to invest in that big jar of tahini paste. This stuff is so amazing. It is basically what peanut butter is to peanuts... but for sesame seeds. Since you are not supposed to give baby's peanut products this is a great spread for BLW if you do not have a seed allergy in the family.

We spread it on homemade bread or wholewheat waffles and Blip eats it up. I have even mixed it up with baked brussel sprouts and Parmesan for a quick lunch, YUM! We both enjoyed it. I suggest you buy it and enjoy the possibilities. Seeds are great for you and this gives you the chance to spread it on countless things, may I suggest using it on a sandwich made with a very hearty whole grain bread!

Homemade Hummus

1-1/2 cups dried chick peas
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup tahini paste
Olive oil

1)Place chick peas in a large pot. Cover with water and let sit overnight.

2) When you wake up drain and rinse chick peas.  Return the beans to the pot and cover with fresh water.

3) Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1 hour, or until the beans are tender. Drain the beans, saving 1/2 cup of cooking liquid.

4) Place the cooked beans in the food processor. Add the lemon, tahini, and 1/2 cup cooking liquid. Pulse. Add olive oil until a smooth paste is formed.

5) Have fun! Add lots of yummy flavor with your choice of spices, herbs, and add ins. We love to add in sweet paprika, fresh garlic, roasted red peppers, pepper, sea salt, and more lemon! Just have fun!