Simple White Bean Hummus

Hummus is a staple in our house. I love it for almost anything from a dip for veggies and crackers/chips to a sandwich spread. Use it as a binder for recipes like my 'Chickpea of the Sea' Salad Sandwich, Mashed Chickpea Salad, or Stuffed Avocados or as a spread on my Favorite Summer Sandwich. Traditionally hummus is prepared with chickpeas but cannellini beans are even more nutritious with more protein and fiber per serving. The cannellini bean have a smooth and creamy texture...it is my favorite white bean. In the past, I usually went for the traditional chickpea hummus but this will a great alternative from now on...it's everything I could ask for with many ways to dress it up! You may also like to try my favorite Chickpea Hummus as well.

Simple White Bean Hummus

Ingredients

• 1 can cannellini beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
• 2 heaping tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• juice of 1 or 2 lemons
• 1 clove garlic, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, optional
• a couple twists of himalayan salt grinder
• a couple tablespoons of water as needed to thin

optional add ins or toppers:
dash of cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon or so of cumin and/or coriander
1/2 teaspoon or so dijon mustard
herbs like chives or basil
roasted garlic
sun-dried tomatoes
roasted bell pepper
paprika, smoked or plain


Place ingredients in food processor, except water, and blend until desired consistency. Taste for flavor adding anything more to your liking...more garlic? more lemon? more tahini? more salt? blend again. Add water one tablespoon at a time to thin if needed (when using as a sandwich spread or binder I prefer a thinner hummus and will add a few extra tablespoons of water to thin it out nicely). Serve however you like it! It's great either at room temp or chilled. Makes 1 1/2 cups. Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to a week or so.

Enjoy !