Home-Made Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus

Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus, topped off with Black Olives

This week at Chews Healthy we will be making a home-made Sun-dried Tomato Hummus. This recipe  will make you question why you would ever want to buy prepackaged hummus again. This snack recipe contains a 100% all natural and organic ingredients. Hummus is a really easy snack to make that is great for parties or even food to munch on when catching up to your favourite television show. It can  be spread or dipped. It's best accompanied with crackers, toast, sandwiches, or pita chips.

Chickpeas, the main ingredient in this recipe, is enriched with proteins, Omega 3 fatty acids, and doesn't contain any saturated or trans fats. Additionally, it helps prevent cholesterol buildups in your arteries. Tahini, a paste made from sunflower seeds which is used in the recipe, is also packed with protein and contains calcium.

Anyways, enough about the health facts and more eating! Let's get started!

Ingredients

Yield:  Appetizer for 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

• 1 Can of Organic Chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 Lemon, juiced
• 2 Tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 3 Tablespoons of Organic Tahini
• 1 Cup of Sun-dried Tomatos, oil drained
• 3 Cloves of Garlic
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1 Teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper
• 2-4 Whole Wheat Pita Bread
• Black Olives to taste

Directions

1.) The first thing you want to do is to drain and rinse off your chickpeas and place them into a food processor or a blender. Next, add in the sun-dried tomatoes, if they are submerged in oil, drain. Then, pop in the garlic, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and tahini.

2.) Once these ingredients are placed into the processor, blend them on high and add in the 1/2 cup of water at intervalls. The water will make the hummus more consistant and smooth.

3.) Once you're hummus looks ready, turn on a toaster oven, and set it to broil. If you're using a conventional oven, preheat at 200°F, however, using the toaster oven will be quicker to heat up and easier to check on. Once the oven is nice and hot, place the pita breads into the oven and toast until they are toasted to your desire. Take them out and cut them into triangular wedges. I used a pizza slicer for precision.

4.) After everything is ready, scoop out the hummus into a bowl, and sprinkle some cayenne pepper to taste and add the black olives in the center for presentation. Now, you're dish is ready to serve!

Bon Appetit!