ALMOST-INSTANT BEETROOT & CHIVES HUMMOUS, Vegan, oil-free

An easier version of artisan beetroot hummus that's a cut above normal but using canned chickpeas

Beetroot & Chive Hummus that uses canned chickpeas
'Don't normally like hummus but this one was smooth and fresh;
 I'd try it again.' Taster

This easy to put together hummus* is terrific as an impressive crowd-pleaser and for a family meal.

And it doesn't involve peeling cooked chickpeas (like the admittedly exquisite Velvet Beetroot with Hummous)!

Beetroot & Chive Hummus is lovely, thick and scrumptious, with a blend of ingredients that makes it a cut above supermarket fare.  And it can be oil-free.

On its own, it's gorgeous with strong kid-appeal.  Serve with crudites, pita triangles (toasted or plain) or - as here - seeded soda bread

Cost: under £2
Makes: about a pint 

Ingred:

   113gm/4oz cooked beetroot (washed & drained if in vinegar) 

   440gm/15.5oz tin chickpeas, pref organic, drained & rinsed (save liquid)

   2 tbsp tahini (from a jar that's been well stirred)  

   1 tsp sea salt

   1 generous tsp pepper
   2 tbsp finely chopped chives (pref) or parsley
   1/4 tsp cumin
   small clove garlic grated (opt)
   

   up to 1/4 cup chickpea liquid

  1 tbsp sumac (a lemon scented Middle Eastern herb)
  (OR the finely grated zest of a lemon & 1 tablespoon of lemon juice)

Garnish:  olive oil, sesame or pumpkin seeds, fresh mint (opt)

Method:

1. Process first 8 ingred;  add chickpea liquid little by little until the mix holds its shape but is a little sloppy  
2. Mix sumac (or lemon zest) until throughly distributed
3. Garnish with a little olive oil, sesame or pumpkin seeds & mint
4. Serve with pitta triangles toasted in the oven or good seeded bread or crudities
5. Keeps four days in the fridge

COMMENTS:

'I tried the hummus as you suggested with egg mayonnaise and as a straight spread.  I'm not usually a fan of hummus (I find it a bit 'claggy' -- the texture is a bit too thick, grainy or sticky for my taste.)  But the beetroot and ? lemon juice ? made this taste a lot smoother & fresher and if I saw it on a menu I'd certainly try it again.  It WAS particularly nice with the egg mayo!'  Senior local government consultant

Tip:

This hummus makes terrific sandwiches layered with tofu & mayo or if you don't mind eggs, egg mayonnaise.

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE BOX BELOW

For other dips/sauces, go to dips/sauces  

* inspired by Bon Appetite magazine

This recipe has been developed by B M Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises and may not be reproduced, in any form, without the author's written permission.