Vegetarianism Made E-Z (Recipes and Stuff - NO debate allowed here!)

[Ruth]

I make & eat a good bit of hummus. Following is a basic recipe which is similar to what I use, but then as Pickle said about his wife - I usually really just wing it:

•1 16 oz can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans
•1/4 cup liquid from can of chickpeas
•3-5 tablespoons lemon juice (depending on taste)
•1 1/2 tablespoons tahini
•2 cloves garlic, crushed
•1/2 teaspoon salt
•2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparation:

Drain chickpeas and set aside liquid from can. Combine remaining ingredients in blender or food processor. Add 1/4 cup of liquid from chickpeas. Blend for 3-5 minutes on low until thoroughly mixed and smooth.

Place in serving bowl, and create a shallow well in the center of the hummus.

Add a small amount (1-2 tablespoons) of olive oil in the well. Garnish with parsley (optional).

Serve immediately with fresh, warm or toasted pita bread, or cover and refrigerate.
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I often use white beans, cooked up from dry, rather than the chickpeas (for some reason my husband doesn't like the grittiness of them). Sometimes I use black beans.

One variation is to add 1/2 an avocado

One is to add some calmata olives &/or spinach

or any greens really

I like to dip with pita chips - which I also make.

Also - since reading something here at bring4th about coconut oil (which is actually the consistency of crisco) I substitute it 100% for any shortening in breads & biscuits. I think it actually makes a fluffier biscuit that is even good in hubby's lunch next day.