How to Make Hummus With Sesame Seeds

Hummus typically uses tahini but can be made with sesame seeds.

Hummus is a staple for vegetarians and a good option for anyone trying to increase fiber and vegetable-based protein. Classic hummus recipes call for tahini, or sesame butter, but not everyone has easy access to tahini. Sesame seeds make a good substitute.

Things You'll Need

• Food processor
• Blender or mortar and pestle
• 2 cans low-salt garbanzo beans
• 2 to 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Drain the beans, reserving the liquid from one can.

2. Chop the garlic in the food processor for 15 to 20 seconds. Add the sesame seeds, bean liquid and lemon juice while chopping the garlic. Process until smooth. If using blender, add everything but the beans and process until smooth. If using mortar and pestle, pulverize the seeds and garlic completely before adding liquid ingredients.

3. Stop the food processor and scrape the sides. Add the garbanzo beans and half the olive oil. Process until smooth, adding additional liquid to a desired consistency.

4. Stop the motor and scrape down the sides again. Process until as smooth as desired, adding additional oil or water as needed. Taste for seasoning, then pulse briefly to finish.

5. Serve with toasted or plain pita bread, pita chips, toasted whole wheat tortilla chips or other crackers or chips. You also can serve with vegetables for dipping.

Tips & Warnings

• Fill celery stalks and top with chopped red bell pepper for an easy, healthy snack.

• Flavor with any spices you like while processing or use roasted garlic instead of fresh.

• You also can flavor with things like reconstituted sun-dried tomatoes.

• Make sure your initial sesame and garlic mix is perfectly smooth. You don't want chunks of sesame seeds in your hummus.

• You can try to do this with a blender or mortar and pestle, but it will be more difficult.