Easy Italian Style Hummus Recipes

SUPER EASY HUMMUS

Steps:

• Blend garbanzo beans, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt, and sesame oil in a food processor; stream reserved bean liquid into the mixture as it blends until desired consistency is achieved.

EASY ITALIAN-STYLE HUMMUS

Steps:

• Drain 3/4 of the liquid in the cans of beans. Put the beans, cheese, olive oil, garlic and lemon juice in a food processor. Puree.
• Add cayenne powder, paprika and ground black pepper as desired. Check for salt. Puree again. I usually add at least 1/4 teaspoon cayenne so that it has some kick to it.
• Remove and let the flavors marry for at least 6-8 hours or overnight in the fridge.
• Take the dip out of the fridge around 2 hours before serving. I usually spoon it into a pie plate or onto a large plate. Smooth the top of the hummus with the back of a spoon or use a knife.
• About 30 minutes before serving, garnish the hummus. First I spread prepared pesto sauce on top. You can spread it all over, in an outer circle pattern, spread it on half the hummus, or however you wish.
• Sprinkle at least 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts on top, or place in the center, or in whatever design you desire.
• Sliver around 1/4 of a roasted red bell pepper and arrange in a design of your own choosing.
• Arrange sliced olives around the edge of the plate.
• All of these garnishes are optional, but the pesto sauce and the toasted pine nuts taste especially good with this.
• Good served with pita chips or as a sandwich spread.

ITALIAN HUMMUS

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 325 degrees F. Toast bread 7 to 8 minutes.
• Place the beans in food processor with tahini, garlic, rosemary, the juice of 1 lemon and some salt. Turn processor on and stream in a little olive oil, process until smooth, adjust salt and transfer to a small serving bowl, garnish with toppings if you wish (on its own it is still delish), surround the hummus with toasts for spreading.