Showing posts with label Snack and Homemade Sweets Recipes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Snack and Homemade Sweets Recipes. Show all posts

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Fat Free Spicy Hummus

I've served it here with toast "soldiers" & batons of cucumber

I know that traditionally, Hummus (or "Hummous") has olive oil added to it. I have tasted Hummus made both with and without the addition of oil and I have to admit that the oil free version does not have as much flavour as the ‘oily’ version. But I promise you, this recipe below is a great, healthy substitute … and you won’t even notice the missing oil as it has so much flavour.

This recipe originated from my sister in South Africa. I know that it has also been used extensively in West Africa by my dear friend Jo, and of course I make it here often in East Africa. (If anyone from North Africa would like to make it, then we’ll have the whole Continent covered ?!)

This is a great “dip” to take to a party and also makes a nice afternoon snack. My toddler has enjoyed dipping carrot sticks, cucumber batons and dried toast fingers in to this dip for as long as I can remember. It’s also delicious spread onto piping hot toast, or even baked potatoes !

My husband refuses to eat what he calls “rabbit food” or “diet food” but I’ve managed to fool him with this one … heee heeee …..

Fat Free Hummus

1 Tin of Chickpeas (drained – reserve some of the juice though)
2 tbsp Lemon Juice
2 – 3 Garlic Cloves (to taste !), finely chopped
½ tsp Mixed Spice (or ground Cummin)
Tiny amount of Cayenne Pepper
Pinch of Tartaric Acid (found in the baking powder etc aisle, but not essential)

Place all ingredients in a blender, and pulse to a fine paste. If it seems a little too thick, add a couple of tablespoons of the reserved Chickpea juice. This stores, covered, in the fridge quite well too.