One of the best things about the summer, besides crisp blue skies, lounging lakeside, pool parties, flip-flops, and grilling every meal on the BBQ, are potluck picnics. Whether you’re the party host, or heading to someone else’s event, it’s imperative to find a party favourite dip to call your own. How about a spicy twist on a tried and true crowd pleaser?!
Hummus, Hummous, Houmous
No matter which way you spell this popular Middle Eastern dip, start by adding it to your dip repertoire. Hummus, is the most common spelling, so that’s what we’ll use for now. If you’ve never made hummus, its versatility in how it’s made, and how it’s eaten is phenomenal! Hummus can be mixed in a food processor, blender or with an immersion blender. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s versatile too! It can be used as a humble dip for crackers, breads, veggies, and meats, or used as a condiment for burgers, wraps, and kabobs or as a side to accompany tofu and grilled meats!
World’s Fastest Recipe
Here’s the fastest way to make a double-batch of crowd-pleasing hummus.
- Open two cans of chickpeas, and pour them into a strainer. Rinse thoroughly until all the sudsy film is gone.
- Pour the chickpeas into the bowl of a food processor or blender, or into an extra large bowl if using an immersion blender.
- Add: the juice of one fresh-squeezed lemon, ¼ cup of olive oil, a splash of sesame oil if you have some, 2 generous tablespoons of tahini (sesame paste), ½ cup of water, 1 to 2 peeled garlic cloves, plus salt and/or pepper and paprika to taste. To give it a unique zing, consider adding a couple of hot banana pepper rings, or some finely chopped jalapeno.
- Blend on high until mixture is creamy; you may need to add some more water, and/or olive oil to help it blend. Some people like a runnier hummus, others prefer it super thick.
- Once it’s ready, transfer into a serving dish. Sprinkle a dash or two of paprika on your bowl for presentation, and consider adding a sprig or two of curly parsley.
How to Clean Up Your Hummus Mess
As soon as you’ve scraped out the last drop of hummus into a good looking, potluck-friendly bowl, rinse your food processor and blender bowls with hot water so it cuts through the oil residues left by the olive oil, sesame oil and tahini. Even if you’re in a rush, and can’t be bothered to rinse, just fill the bowls with hot water so the hummus doesn’t dry into their crevices and let it hang out in the sink until you get back home. If you’ve used an immersion blender, remove the removable shaft that mixed the hummus from the part that houses the electrical parts. Leave it to soak in a bowl of water until you have time to wash it thoroughly, or to run it through the dishwasher.
Now that you have your next go-to recipe, start planning those summer events! Spend more time lounging by the pools with your veggies and hummus, or plan a picnic with your friends. While you’re enjoying the sunshine, let us worry about keeping your home clean. Whether you live in a condo, apartment or house, you can trust your local MOLLY MAID to do a thorough job.
Photo by Ajale
