Hummus Based Dip Recipes

A can of chickpeas in the pantry can be very handy, not only can it beef up a curry you can also whip up a dip for unexpected visitors, a lunchtime snack or to servee at or take to a barbie. Popping dips and vegetables or crackers for children to dip into them can jazz up their lunchboxes while increasing their protein intake.

How do you make chickpeas into a dip, it's called hummus! Yes you can make hummus really easily so there's no need to buy ready made again, although if you have you can add your own touches to it as well, just keep reading.

I've included one of the easiest and tasty hummus recipes that I've come across here for you as well as a couple of hummus based dips which are simply divine - enjoy and bon appetite!

Let's make Hummus.......

You Will need -

• 415 gram can chickpeas in brine
• 2 tblsp lemon juice
• 2 tblsp sesame seeds
• 1-2 tsp minced garlic
• 2 tblsp olive oil.

Now, what to do with the ingredients.....

• The first step is to drain the chickpeas really well.
• Next you pop all of the ingredients into a food processor and blitz until it's nice and smooth.
• Season it to taste.

Now how easy was that? It was quicker than it would be to run down to the shops to buy and, personally, I think it tastes better.

Now I find hummus to be a little boring, although I know alot of people enjoy it just as is. With just a little creativity you can 'jazz up' your hummus.

I love Beetroot and Feta so what about a dip?

To make this hummus based dip you will need -

• the above hummus
• 150 grams beetroot
• 50 grams feta

Method

• Take the hummus you made or a 400 - 450 container of shop brought if you really must and add the beetroot and feta to it - process until smooth.

Now let me tell you a secret while the foodies among you would buy fresh beetroot and cook it up before adding to this recipe I have to confess that I use canned beetroot!   Just drain it first and add it to the ingredients - it's all about quick, easy and tasty!

Now I also enjoy spinach - my mother really can't understand this but I blame her for letting me watch Popeye when I was younger!
 

Another really yummy hummus based dip and I bet you never would've guessed we could do all this with the humble chickpea!

Now to make this hummus based dip you will need the following -

• hummus
• 100-150 grams spinach (I use the baby spinach, it's sweeter)
• 2 tbsp pinenuts

Now this one does involve a little cooking, but you can do it!

• First saute the spinach in a pan until the leaves have just wilted and then put to one side.
• Toast the pine nuts in a heavy based skillet (without oil) until golden.
• Now squeeze the excess liquid out of your spinach.
• Pop the hummus, spinach and pinenuts into your food processor and (yes you've guessed it!) process until smooth.

It's a bit more work than the other dips, but the taste is well worth it, and your guests will be very impressed.