Humming along to the tune of Hummus

I do not think I have had salad dressing since sometime in the 1990's when Susan Powter screamed through my television screen demanding me to "Stop the Insanity!" Looking back, I am sure she should have taken a page from her own book, so to speak. Those many years ago i made an adjustment that I am fortunate enough to have stuck with me--small adjustments in diet which eventually build up into you becoming a healthy eater. Hey, that is what Squeaky Gourmet is all about! So, while looking for things to dip veggies in and add to salads I stumbled on hummus. What a fantastic healthy addition to your diet!

Just look at the wonderful value garbanzo beans bring to your clean eating. Worlds Healthy Foods site provided this image and also tells us that these little legumes are filled with cholesterol lowering fiber. I wonder if they worry that the FDA will ban that claim like they did to Cheerios--I digress. You can see from this chart that this as a vegetable dip or salad topping would offer to you far more than a goopy dressing would. So--why not whip up some hummus! This is a clean food staple and is much less expensive to make than to purchase pre-made.

1 can garbanzo beans (also called chickpeas) rinsed and drained

3 cloves garlic

1 T olive oil

Juice from 1 lemon

2T toasted sesame seeds

2 T water

Throw everything in a food processor and mix until the right consistency. Add a little water until it’s the right texture.

Other good ideas:
--Add different seasoning to change the notes of the beans, chili powder, cumin, lemongrass, chives
--Add in some chopped peppers and mushrooms, increase the water a bit and top with Parmesan cheese for a party platter dip