Washington, D.C. is bursting with countless fabulous tapas restaurants. The 14th street corridor alone hosts Barcelona, Estadio and Masa 14. While these places are all delicious and buzzing with energy, sometimes it’s nice to have the small plate experience–you know the kind where you can eat lots of different things and not feel stuffed–in your own home.
One of the easiest and healthiest tapas you can make is hummus. For me, hummus is never boring, but if a traditional blend is too bland for you my recommendation is to spice it up. I don’t just mean the spicy pepper, make-your-upper-lip-sweat kind of spice, I mean any spice(s) you love.
Topping my most loved list are, turmeric, cumin and curry–in no particular order. When I discovered the west Indian spice blend Muchi curry powder at Whole Foods, it was a game changer. Muchi is a spicier version of curry powder cut with a blend of turmeric, cardamon and other aromatic spices. I look for as many ways to use this spice combo as possible and my latest creation is this Curried Hummus.
Since you’re making this hummus from scratch there are no preservatives just whole, healthy, real foods. Garbanzo beans serve as the foundation, both in terms of consistency and nutrient density. Like all beans, garbanzo beans (aka chickpeas) are an excellent source of immune-boosting and figure-friendly dietary fiber.
And as long as you have a food processor, this recipe could not be easier. Just drop all ingredients inside, blender, scrape into an air-tight container and, voila, you have a healthy tapas or mid-afternoon snack (carrots not included) for up to a week when stored in the refrigerator.
Curried Hummus
{makes 8 servings}
what you’ll need.
- 1 can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 Tbs tahini
- 1 Tbs Muchi Curry Powder (available at Whole Foods)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 small cloves of garlic
- Juice and zest of one lemon
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 Tbs sherry vinegar
how to make it.
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Add a little water if it’s too thick for your liking.
- Enjoy! (yes, it’s that easy)
Originally published on The DC Ladies blog September 3, 2014.