Healthy quick hummus

Have you ever wondered why you spend money on hummus when it is so easy to make it yourself?  Maybe it is just me.

I love hummus and have been known to mix it into many dishes to add flavor.   Hummus is also a healthy alternative to fatty, processed dips.  Hummus with  chips for the game will reduce the amount of saturated fat you consume during the night.    Even better...cut whole wheat pita bread into squares, brush it with a touch of oil and bake them!  Much healthier and way more filling!

I chose to make a black bean hummus today because it is something different and the color is a bit more exciting!  You will still get a great snack food filled with fiber, protein, iron, Vitamin B1 and antioxidants (does you onion dip have all that??).

I used dried black beans.  Trust me, you are saving yourself tons of excess sodium intake by using dried beans.  All you have to do is let them soak over night or even just for a few hours and then boil until tender.  Plan ahead!

Here is the quick and easy recipe:

Black Bean Hummus

1/2 dried black beans (Baer's Best; Hamilton MA)
1tbsp sesame oil
2 cloves of garlic (RI) (this makes it very garlicy..i love it, you may not.  Use your best judgment!)
1/2 fresh lemon
dash of sea salt

After you cooked the beans, put them in the food processor with oil, lemon juice and chopped garlic.  Grind until you have a creamy texture.  You can chill and eat later or eat right away!

Enjoy!

~L