
Now that I live gluten-free, I see the merit in their ad campaign. Besides creating original gluten-free meals and snacks, I seek out those items that have never contained gluten or wheat. Here’s one of my favorites: hummus. Prepared hummus is almost always gluten-free, but check the labels. In terms of cost and quantity, you come out ahead when you literally whip up your own in your blender, a task that takes about 15 minutes. And your hummus is always gluten-free.
Hummus
1 can chickpeas (reserve liquid)
1 teaspoon ground cumin seed
3 tablespoons tahini (sesame paste; most grocery stores stock this)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less, to taste; I now omit this as I can’t eat pepper; the taste is still excellent)
salt to taste
Using a blender or food processor, combine all ingredients, including enough of the reserved chickpea liquid to give the consistency of a dip or spread. Mixture should blend relatively easily. Add more reserved liquid as needed. Chill. Serve with corn chips and/or veggies.
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I had never eaten hummus as a child, and when I first saw it as an adult, I’ll admit I was skeptical. The look of hummus belies its taste, not to mention its nutritional value. I fell in love with hummus later in life, and then, thought it too esoteric to create myself. I finally asked a friend for her recipe when my kids were adolescents, and they too became fans. We’d have hummus for dinner with pita, olives, and grapes, which was also an excellent option when my son’s girlfriend dined with us, as she ate only vegan meals. I’d make a double batch, being careful not to overload the blender; you might want to make each batch singly.
Hummus can be spread on a teff wrap or brown rice wrap along with feta and raw baby spinach; it can be a snack with broccoli (you know, the cholesterol-free kind), carrots, and peppers or tomatoes. I’ve had great luck freezing this recipe. It can even be served warm.
So, you can imagine how my heart warmed the other day to hear my 18-month grandson ask for a “hummus sandwich.”