HUMMUS Base Recipe

1/3 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup tahini
minced garlic- to taste.  I usually start with about a Tbsp or so
1 tsp salt
4 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 cans garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed.
4-6 Tbsp water

In a food processor, combing lemon juice and tahini.  Process for about 45 seconds, then scrape down the sides and process another 30 seconds.  Add garlic, salt, and olive oil.  Process for another 30-45 seconds, until well incorporated.  Add half of the garbanzo beans, and process for about 30 seconds before adding the other half.  Process, adding enough water to get to desired consistency.

This produces a very smooth hummus base that is GREAT as is, or from here, can have any flavors/ingredients added. 

Some of our favorites add-ins:

Roasted Garlic and Sundried Tomatoes (yes, I made my own roasted garlic, but not sundried tomatoes!)

Taco flavored (I use homemade taco seasoning, but a taco seasoning packet would work well here, too)

Ranch Flavored (my kids fave)

Hot and Spicy (we added jalapenos and habaneros from our garden, along with some chili powder, cumin, and cilantro)

Roasted Red Pepper and  Roasted Garlic  (this one is my fave!)