Tuscan Hummus

December 19, 2011 By 5 Comments
Contrary to popular belief, the great equalizer isn’t education. It’s hummus. Have vegetarian friends? They can eat hummus. Same goes for people who can’t eat dairy, wheat, or nuts. It doesn’t cost a lot of money to make a huge amount. It also couldn’t be easier to make and it’s pretty damn delicious, to boot. That said…If I never see another pita chip again, it may be too soon. Sorry, but the thing about hummus is…since it is so great, everyone does it. It’s time to jazz up hummus, to give it new life and make it sexy and mysterious again. It’s time to take it to San Remo, drive it down the Italian Riviera, and bring it back in its new European outfit. It’s time for:
Tuscan Hummus

Ingredients:
2 cans cannellini beans, drained
3 Tbsp. jarred pesto (be sure to find one without nuts if you are serving those with allergies)
1 head roasted garlic
1/3-1/2 cup apple cider or tomato vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
Special Equipment: Food Processor

 1) Dump the beans into the food processor.

 2) Toss in the pesto.

 3) And the garlic
You guys doing ok? I know, I’m really intimidating with all of the incredibly technical recipes I show you on the blog.

 4) Vinegar. Add it. Be aware, you may need up to 1/2 of a cup of vinegar by the time the hummus is to your liking. But start out with 1/3 of a cup. You can always add more later.

 5) Start the food processor, and slowly drizzle in the olive oil. You won’t need much because the pesto has oil in it.

Just drizzle a bit in until the hummus becomes a consistency you like – I prefer a consistency that is mostly smooth, but not too thin. Transfer to a container and refrigerate the hummus for at least 3 hours, or up to overnight. Taste for seasonings before serving, and add more pesto, oil, or spices as you see fit.

 6) Serve.

This hummus is a showstopper. I served it with a drizzle of chile-infused olive oil on top, but it is delicious just on its own. The beans are creamy and mild, and the roasted garlic adds the deepest, sweetest flavor to the dip. The jarred pesto is – if I do say so myself – the genius of this recipe. Two little spoonfuls and you get the most incredible, unmistakably Italian flavor of sharp Parmesan cheese and earthy basil. The vinegar is the kicker here – its brightness and acidity adds another dimension to the hummus. 
That’s what this recipe does all around – it adds another dimension to hummus. It is elegant, it is hearty, it is healthy, and it is really, really tasty with a breadstick or crudite.
And, let’s not forget…hummus is the great equalizer. 
I know, I taught you that…you’re welcome.
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Comments

  1. Sarah says:
    December 19, 2011 at 10:50 pm

    Thanks for the non-nut pesto! ;)

    Reply
  2. kim says:
    December 20, 2011 at 12:20 am

    Seriously. I have hummus almost 5X per week. But I'm forever a garbanzo gal. :)

    Reply
  3. Michigan Food Blog says:
    December 20, 2011 at 6:09 am

    I like it, the idea of the beans the pesto…not so sure about so much vinegar. Is it sharp?

    Reply
  4. Fritos and Foie Gras says:
    December 20, 2011 at 8:07 pm

    @Sarah-of course, dahling!
    @Kim-I love the garbanzos too! Have you tried Trader Joe's cilantro hummus?
    @Michigan-If you use apple cider vinegar, it will be bright but not at all sharp. Even balsamic would work here – you need a touch of brightness – it works just the way that lemon juice would!

    Reply
  5. kim says:
    December 20, 2011 at 8:35 pm

    Hi Sarah,
    I haven't tried TJ's 'jazzed up' hummus yet. Are they any good? I usually make my own. :)

    Reply

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