Homemade Hummus is super healthy and a filling snack.

Homemade Hummus in a Vita-Mix

We love hummus.
I was first introduced to it when I worked at The Alexis. A family owned Greek restaurant in downtown Portland. I loved it from the first bite. They made fresh bread daily and you would often find the servers in the back room snacking on hummus, bread , feta and Kalamata Olives. Free Greek food. I miss those days.

I’ve made hummus for years. Long before Tahini was a common item in grocery stores. It was also pretty expensive and one jar was only enough for two batches of hummus.

Years later when we purchased our Vita Mix I decided to try my hummus recipe with sesame seeds rather than the Tahini. After all, a Vita Mix will liquefy anything.

I use a Cook’s Illustrated recipe as my base and altered it to fit my preference. Their recipe uses a food processor and Tahini. I’ve never tried making hummus with sesame seeds in a food processor but if you want to try it you can let me know how it works.

It is important to put the sesame seeds in the Vita Mix first, then the rest of the ingredients. The cooking liquid will help everything become nice and smooth. Keep adding the liquid until you reach your desired consistency. I use a full cup.

The Alexis’ hummus was very garlicky. I would love to put a lot more garlic in than I do but, I have a family to consider. And neighbors who might wonder why they can smell my garlic breath before they ever see me coming.

Homemade Hummus in a Vita-Mix

Homemade Hummus in a Vita Mix

On the Banks of Salt Creek
I've adapted this from Cook's Illustrated's recipe for "Ultimate Hummus". If you would like to substitute Tahini use 1/2 cup. This recipe doubles easily for feeding a crowd.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Snack
Servings 2 cups

Ingredients
  

  • 1 15 ounce can chick peas
  • 3 Tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup sesame seeds
  • 3 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic pressed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Pinch Cayenne

Instructions
 

  • Empty chick peas with liquid into sauce pan. Fill can with water and pour into sauce pan with chick peas. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook 10 minutes. Drain chick peas reserving cooking water.
  • Into Vita Mix add: sesame seeds, chick peas, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, cumin and Cayenne. Add 1/2 cup cooking water.
  • Put lid on and insert damper. Turn Vita Mix on and turn to high quickly while stirring with the damper.
  • Add reserved cooking liquid to your desired consistency.

Have a great day,
Karen