Roased Red Pepper Hummus

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is my favorite snack.  Hummus is Chickpeas (also called Garbanzo beans)  blended with Tahini and Spices.  Tahini is roasted sesame seeds made into a paste, like peanut butter.  Now, tahini is pretty expensive, so for $$ purposes, I use creamy peanut butter.  Cant taste the difference! ;)


Most recipes call for a can of beans.  Remember:

1 can of beans = about 1 2/3 cups COOKED beans
2/3 c dry beans = about 1 can

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

makes 3 cups, 12 servings

Ingredients:

2/3 c dry Chickpeas (also called Garbanzo beans)
1 Roasted Red Pepper
1 T creamy peanut butter
3 cloves of garlic
1/8th jalapeno
1/4 c lemon juice
1/4 t black pepper
3/4 t cayenne pepper
1/4 t cumin
water, if needed
Directions:

1.  measure beans, add 3-4 cups hot water in a large pot
2.  Bring to a rapid boil, boil for about 5 minutes
3.  Cover and let stand for 1 hour
4.  Drain and rinse beans, put in a large container
5.  Add the rest of ingredients

6.  Blend until smooth, adding water if needed (I like mine a little on the "clumpy" side)

Variations:
1. Plain: Subtract Jalapeno, black pepper, cayenne pepper
2.  Olive:  Plain Hummus, add 3/4 c Olives (Kalmatas!)
3.  Garlicy: Plain Hummus, add 7 cloves garlic

Use hummus as a dip for pretzels, pita bread, or vegetables.  Or even in replace of mayonnaise in sandwich or wraps.  I freeze this in 2 T portions, that way its perfect for single servings.  The recipe I use makes about 3 times the amount for about 1/10th of the price!

Freeze in portion sizes in your freezing container until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag: