Hummus!!

I like preparing hummus because it's easy, versatile, it stores very well and it's YUMMY!

There has been a lot of confusion throughout the years over the nutritional value of hummus. Whether or not it's really good for you, if it'll make you fat, etc.  The simple answer to those questions is..."it depends". I've learned that the ingredients found in store-bought hummus is nowhere near the same as what you'll use or find if you make it at home. That being said, the average amount of calories you'll find in the store bought ones as well as restaurant hummus are at the very LEAST 300g - 350g and that's before adding another 270g from the pita bread. Homemade hummus should only be about 175g...quite a large difference! You can purchase lower cal gyro/pita bread in many grocery stores. I use the brand Kontos. If you are on a diet especially a vegetarian one, this is perfect because it's not only filled with protein, but it has a low glycemic index which will keep you full for longer (that is if you're trying to lose weight).

I, personally am not on a diet, I just think hummus tastes really good and I love it. All the nutritional benefits of HOMEMADE hummus is just a bonus. If you're thinking of buying hummus, please reconsider making your own.

Here is my slightly different version of this delicious ancient Middle Eastern dip,

What you'll need:

- piece of gyro bread (you can use pita or any type of flatbread!)

Hummus
- 2 cans of chickpeas/garbanzo beans drained and rinsed
- 2 cloves of garlic whole
- 1/4 C extra virgin olive oil (give or take)
- juice of half a lemon
- pinch of salt & pepper to taste
- chopped green onions for garnish

Heat up oil in a pan until medium-high heat. Add whole garlic clove and let it sit until lightly brown on the edges (we want garlic to infuse flavor into the oil!). This will also take away a little bit of the super spiciness of fresh garlic, but if you wouldn't mind that, skip the infusion process.

In a food processor or blender, combine all the ingredients until creamy paste forms. (Make sure to taste test and add more or less of any of the ingredients to fit your liking!)
 Spread over toasted flatbread and for more flavor, garnish with chopped fresh green onions.



Enjoy!