Hummus

Myth 5: Vegan food is difficult!

Hummus is a delicious Middle Eastern chickpea spread and it's vegan. It's also extremely versatile, easy and cheap! (under 2€ or $2) It has three main ingredients: chickpeas, lemon juice and garlic (it typically calls for tahini {sesame paste} but, this is easily interchangeable or left out as with the other ingredients). If you like you can add other ingredients or replace the chickpeas with things like edamame, avocado, green peas, bell peppers, etc. and you can add tofu or yogurt (soy, coconut) for richness or replace the lemon juice with apple cider vinegar. You need a blender or food processor or potato masher. Makes a large amount (but you can halve the ingredients).

Chickpeas cooked or canned 800g
3 - 5 garlic cloves (under .50 cents) or 1 -2 T minced garlic
1/2 lemon
Water (optional for smoother/lighter consistency)
Parsley, salt, olive oil, smoked paprika and cumin or other spices to taste (optional)

Squeeze lemon juice into bowl and remove seeds. Blend/process/Mix minced garlic or garlic cloves with lemon juice. Drain can of chickpeas and put in blender/food processor/bowl. Blend/process/mix all ingredients until smooth (consistency is to taste/you may add water for smoother consistency).  That's it!

Now, you can make sandwiches with other sliced vegetables (I like sliced tomatoes, onions, olives and bell peppers). Or hummus makes a great dip for pita bread, veggies, breadsticks, pretzels, etc. It also is good by itself!