I recently had a life-changing experience in the realm of Mediterranean food. There is a lovely gem of a restaurant in our neighborhood called The Olive Tree and Robert and I had never given it a chance up until a few months ago. I’ve always been a bit underwhelmed by the Greek food I’ve made and/or ordered at restaurants. That is, until we decided to try something different for a quick weeknight dinner. I ordered the chicken shwarama with hummus, Robert got the spicy chicken and mushroom dinner, and the rest is delicious history. I now frequently crave their hummus and pita bread after a long day at work. More so, I dare say, than pizza (!?!). The Olive Tree has made a Mediterranean convert out of me and I am not ashamed to admit it.
I decided to make a homemade version of hummus myself and was quite pleased with the outcome. While I still am forever loyal to our beloved Olive Tree, this hummus is a budget-friendly and delicious alternative. It’s also a healthy snack for this weekend’s Super Bowl. I have to admit, though, that I don’t follow NFL football at all, but I enjoy the social aspect of the game. 
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Looking for other appetizer ideas for Sunday’s big game? Here are a few of my favorites:
Hummus
Yield: About 2 1/2 cups hummus
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 5 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/3 cup tahini, stirred well
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
1.Put the chickpeas, garlic, and salt in the bowl of a food processor (or blender). Pulse for 15 to 20 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and pulse for another 15 to 20 seconds. Add the lemon juice, tahini, and water. Pulse for about 20 seconds longer. Scrape down the bowl; and, with the processor running, drizzle in the olive oil. Serve with pita bread, vegetables, or eat straight from the bowl.
Source: Alton Brown
YAY! thanks for sharing this. I have wanted to make my own hummus. I love Greek food!! I don’t think I’ve ever eaten at the Olive Tree. Perhaps we’ll have to go in March.
Oh yeah! We will definitely have to go
Ha! just bought some today! shoulda made my own,I always put way to much tahini in mine and then pulse it to long,ends up being hummus froth with overpowering sesame flavor( and the tahini is in my frig for like 4 years)…..yuk…btw,sometimes i add a dash of cumin…give it a try.
on a side note,
trying not not eat wheat ,refined sugar or dairy for a while,like,wtf,might as well just go to bed, for the rest of my life..torture…