hummus among us

The raw garlic makes the hummus spicy so only add one clove if you're interested in toning it down. Black beans and maybe a dash of paprika or nutmeg (probably not those two spices simultaneously) would also add a different flavor. If you don't have a food processor and aren't interested in purchasing one based upon my recommendation, you could also do this with a potato masher tool or even a fork. Perhaps a blender as well as long as you were generous with the olive oil. Very easy and really good. If you're one of my girlfriends who can make itty bitty meals without worrying about starving a non-existent husband, you should really try this. Or if your significant other doesn't mind stashing his carnivoirish tendencies for a night. Mine minds. But I personally spread this out into about three meals.
Chickpeas are a legume that, like all legumes, are high in protein and fiber and low in fat and cholesterol. Adding black beans will not only amp up the flavor but the protein and fiber content as well. Since the only meats I ever really eat are chicken and salmon, I'm enjoying figuring out some protein varieties to add to my repertoire. If you get canned chickpeas and black beans look for the low sodium ones.

Spicy Hummus Pitas
INGREDIENTS
1 15 oz can chickpeas / garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
2 - 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
1/4 c. olive oil
2 teaspoons lemon juice
pita bread pockets
{recommended variations}
sliced cucumbers
sliced roma or cherry tomatoes
baby spinach leaves
DIRECTIONS
Place all ingredients in food processor. Pulse until creamy. Add pepper, salt, lemon juice to taste or more olive oil if it’s not smooth enough.

Envelope pita(s) in foil and place under broiler on low for about 3 minutes. Uncover and allow to toast for 1 to 2 min on each side. Add hummus and any additional desired ingredients.There's a "digital macro" shot of my garlic press. I'm still trying to figure out the settings on my point and shoot and the "maco" setting is much better than the "digital macro" setting. Hence the unacceptable fuzziness of this shot. Regardless, this is a trusty little garlic press and I just wanted to show it off.My supporting actress of choice is the Nature's Choice Sweet Cherubs. If I had cucumbers they would have been diced up and thown in there too. I'm sorry I had already begun to devour my dinner before taking this picture.