BEST Classic Hummus

Make the BEST ever classic hummus (vegan and gluten-free) with only four ingredients in 10 minutes—the perfect, healthy addition to crackers, veggies, sandwiches, pita and falafels.

• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), with liquid
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste)
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Pinch salt (optional)
• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

Garnish (optional):

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Black pepper

Instructions

1. Drain the chickpeas, reserving the liquid. Put the chickpeas into a blender or food processor.
2. Add the garlic, lemon juice, tahini, black pepper, and salt (optional), as well as about half of the reserved chickpea liquid.
3. Puree the chickpea mixture, adding additional chickpea liquid as necessary to produce the desirable texture. Add olive oil and continue to blend until mixture is very smooth and creamy.
4. Pour the hummus into a serving dish and garnish with a drizzle of additional olive oil and sprinkle of black pepper, if desired. If not serving immediately, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
5. Makes 2 cups (eight 1/4-cup servings)

To serve hummus as an appetizer, place a small serving dish of garnished hummus in the center of a platter. Arrange triangles of whole wheat pita bread and pieces of fresh raw vegetables, such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, mushrooms, asparagus, broccoli, and snow peas, on the platter.