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Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

When you're a poor student AND a vegetarian you eat a lot of hummus, I mean tons. Dried chick peas are cheap and a jar of tahini will last you a long time. So I quickly learned to vary my hummus so as not to lose my mind with boredom.

I've added carrots, parsley, beets and spinach to hummus. I even recently tried a version with avocado (wasn't a huge fan, too much avocado and not enough hummus for me). But my favorite flavored version is roasted red peppers, particularly if they're fresh roasted. And when I was watching my pennies, buying a jar of peppers wasn't the best investment. When the summer abundance of red peppers arrived, I would roast up a bunch and keep them in a jar under a layer of olive oil.
Hummus is one of those go-to recipes I use for unexpected company or when I'm in the mood for a quick cold dinner. While it is traditionally served with pita - toasted or not - I often eat it with cut veggies like carrots, celery or even cucumber. I love the crisp coolness of veggies with the smoothness of the hummus.

This version includes a few tablespoons of yogurt because I like the smoothness it brings to the dip but you can easily leave it out and simply add more oil and keep it vegan.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

1 1/2 cups cooked chick peas
2 whole roasted red peppers
4-5 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons tahini
juice from 2 small lemons
2 teaspoons cayenne (use only 1 if you want less heat)
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons yogurt
1/2 cup olive oil

Place all in blender and process until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.

Hugs!

Recipes currently inspiring me:
Easy Chorizo and Potato Huaraches at Sticky Gooey Creamy Chewy
Homemade Nutella at Family Style Food
Asiago Crusted Baked Zucchini Sticks at Taste Space

4 comments:

  1. Yum, yum, yum! I could eat this with a spoon. Just goes to show, you can eat well on a tight budget; all it takes is a little extra thought that eventually becomes second nature. I like.

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  2. We love hummus in my house! Not only is homemade hummus cheaper than store-bought but I think it's tastier too. Yours looks divine!

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  3. mmm it looks divine, my finger would be straight in there - who needs carrot sticks eh!
    I generally take the cheats way out and buy hummus but always mix it with greek yoghurt to make it more flavourful and creamy.
    I bet your bowlful is long gone by now!

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  4. I have been wanting to make this for a full year -- maybe this will give me the little push I need...

    looks delicious!

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