Zesty Hummus

Total Time: 25 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

• 3 (15 ounce) cans garbanzo beans, rinsed
• 1/4 cup tahini paste (100% ground hulled sesame paste)
• 2 large garlic cloves, roasted and mashed
• 1/2 cup lime juice (approximately 2 limes, juiced)
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (optional)
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomato
• 1/3 cup roasted red pepper
• 10 fresh basil leaves

Recipe

• 1 cut off both ends of each clove of garlic and remove outer layer of skin. in a toaster oven or conventional oven roast garlic for 10-15 minutes at 350 degrees. garlic will be slightly golden and a little soft.
• 2 in food processor, blend until smooth lime juice, tahini, water, garlic, basil, and pepper (to taste).
• 3 add garbanzo beans gradually and blend for several minutes until mixture is a smooth, thick paste.
• 4 add roasted red peppers and sun dried tomatoes and process again until well combined.
• 5 if necessary, stop processor and scrape sides with a spatula. (hummus will thicken if refrigerated, so add more water--up to an additional 1/2 cupâ??if it seems too thick).
• 6 ideally, hummus be served at room temperature within an hour or two of making. to store, refrigerate for up to 1 week in a covered container.
• 7 garnish with drizzled olive oil and slices of roasted red peppers.
• 8 surround with warm pita wedges or crackers and serve with fresh vegetables.