AHH. There’s nothing better than a creamy, protein rich hummus, enjoyed with crispy and cold veggie sticks.

Store bought hummus is fantastic! I love it in a pinch or if I’m going to a party. However, when I’m at home, I prefer my homemade hummus, that I can flavor however I want. It’s super easy to double this recipe too. Its creamy, rich and even works on your favorite sandwiches or in salads.

When I first transitioned to the predominately vegetarian lifestyle, the internet was still in it’s infancy, blogging was nonexistent and shopping at home was a twinkle in someone’s eye. So, I didn’t discover hummus until I tried a store bought version, several years later, and I was hooked.

You’re going to need a blender, or a food processor, to make this hummus. I prefer a blender, as it makes the hummus super creamy.

Chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, are the star of the show! However, we can absolutely substitute or add, if doubling, black beans, sweet potatoes, lentils or cannellini beans.

Lets get started!

At Home Hummus (makes 1 batch)

The flavor base:

• 1 15 oz can of Chickpeas, drained
• 2 large cloves of Garlic, peeled and whole; or 1 Tbsp Roasted Garlic, 4 large cloves Garlic Confit, drained of oil.
• 1 Tbsp Lemon juice
• zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 tsp Cumin
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• 1/4 cup Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil, or your favorite Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Tahini
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Pepper

Flavors: Add these flavors to the base

1. Roasted Red Pepper: add 3/4 cup Roasted Red Peppers
2. Caramelized Onion: add 3/4 cup Caramelized Onions
3. Roasted Red Pepper and Caramelized Onion: add 1/2 cup Roasted Red Peppers and 1/4 cup Caramelized Onions
4. Roasted Garlic: add 2 heads of roasted garlic, removed from the skins
5. Sweet Potato: add 1 cup roasted, cubed and peeled sweet potatoes, or mashed sweet potato

Variations: Just make the changes listed below, but keep the rest of the recipe the same.

1. Sweet potato and Black Bean: omit 1 15 oz can Chickpeas, drained and substitute 1 15 oz can Black Beans, drained; add 1 cup Sweet Potatoes, roasted or mashed; omit Lemon juice and zest, substitute Lime juice and zest.
2. Lentil and Caramelized Onion: omit 15 oz can Chickpeas, drained and substitute 1 cup Lentils, cooked; add 3/4 cup Caramelized Onion
3. White Bean and Kale: omit 15 oz can Chickpeas, drained and substitute 1 15 oz can Cannellini Beans, drained; add 1/2 cup cooked Kale

Lets get it blended!

1. Add all Flavor Base ingredients to a blender or food processor.
2. Add your desired flavor.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. Serve with your favorite veggies.

Enjoy!