So many of us buy hummus at the local grocery store because it is quick and easy, and goes with just about everything: with crackers, veggies, or as a healthy spread option on sandwiches.

Not that long ago, hummus was considered exotic and foreign, something to be eaten at Middle Eastern restaurants and purchased in the specialty foods aisle.  Maybe that is why so many of us buy hummus instead of making it at home.  All these years later it is a staple in many kitchens – a go-to snack and spread – yet we still believe it is difficult to make because it is foreign.

Here is a little secret: hummus is not at all difficult to make.  In fact, homemade hummus takes less than 5 minutes (seriously) and will taste so much better than anything you can buy in a store.  It also keeps in the fridge for up to a week.  All you need are some standard pantry ingredients and a blender (I use my Vitamix)

Ingredients:

1 can (15 oz) chick peas

1 tbsp tahini paste

1 lime

Chili pepper flakes

Salt to taste

Water (optional)

Instructions

1. Drain and rinse chick peas
2. Add first 5 ingredients to a blender, mixer, food processor or smoothie maker (basically anything that blends foods together) and mix
3. Add water 1 tbsp at a time until you reach your desired consistency. I usually add about 2-3tbsp

And that’s it!  It takes me more time to rinse my Vitamix than it takes me to make the hummus.