Humble Hummus

1 15 - 16 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

2 TLBS Sesame Tahini, stirred thoroughly until smooth

1 tsp garlic powder or 2-3 cloves, crushed

¼ tsp white pepper

1 TLBS olive oil

¼ C lemon juice

2 -3 TLBS soy sauce (to taste)

approximately ¼ C water

Optional: One of the following -12 oz jar marinated artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or marinated red peppers, drained and chopped into chunks

In a food processor mix chickpeas until broken. Add sesame tahini and garlic powder or crushed garlic cloves. Mix thoroughly. Pour in olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce while pulse-mixing the food processor. Add enough water until desired consistency is obtained.

Transfer into a plastic container. Stir in by hand chunks of chopped artichoke hearts, cut up sun-dried tomatoes, or marinated red pepper. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours before serving. Flavors meld together if left overnight in refrigerator.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

Pita bread – torn in pieces for dipping.

Triscuts or other favorite crackers.

Cut up raw vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrot and celery sticks.

FOODNOTES: Hummus is a high protein food since it is made with chickpeas (garbanzo beans) which are a legume. These are low in saturated fats, sodium and cholesterol. Chickpeas are a good source of fiber.

Eating food just from the earth can be a humbling experience if we stop to think about it. A simple dish of beans, some flavorings, oil, other vegetables – so simple, yet so delicious. These elements somehow bring me closer to nature and to the earth's gardens. I love to think about where my foods come from. I like to be comfortable with my food's origins. I always have a good feeling about these earthy kinds of foods, both physically and spiritually.