Homemade Hummus

Store bought hummus is a quick and reliable go-to food that's great for an easy meal or a healthy snack, especially when you dip it in carrots or celery. But when you make your own hummus, you can control the ingredients. Hummus is normally made with chickpeas, a/k/a garbanzo beans, which are inherently low in fat and have a rich, earthy flavor so they provide a terrific base for a wide range of flavors. You can use canned chickpeas to cut down on sodium intake, or add your favorite spices and seasonings for hummus that isn't readily available at the grocery store. 

If you want to use dried garbanzo beans, give yourself an extra day to prepare the hummus because the garbanzos will have to soak overnight, cook for about an hour, and cool completely before they can be ground into hummus. The taste from fresh chickpeas is fresher and a bit more snappy, so be ready to never want to eat hummus any other way again. Once the chickpeas are ready, use two cups of prepared beans in this recipe. 

If you want to add a little bit of extra flash to your hummus, smooth it into a big bowl and garnish with extra Za'atar Seasoning and Urfa Biber, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or an extra drizzle of olive oil. Serve with toasted pita on the side and enjoy!