Homemade hummus is easier than you think

It’s also cheaper than store-bought

Life is different since Covid came on the scene five years ago, in both large and small ways. I feel there is more distance between folks, both literally and figuratively. Habits have changed; there is more caution in day-to-day transactions, and plans need to be made in advance.

In the pre-Covid days, my pantry was well stocked with wine, beer, cheese, hummus, crackers, guacamole, tortilla chips (you get the idea), just in case I had an impromptu cocktail party on my hands. You never knew who might drop by or when.

Sometimes it was a neighbor who was walking the circle I live on, where twice around is a mile, or someone stopping by to ask about borrowing a tool or something.

Between then and now, there was an interim period with people coming over for an outdoor gathering on the patio, keeping a safe distance. These days, however, it seems friends and neighbors are still friendly, but folks are keeping more to themselves. And so, my pantry supplies are no longer as plentiful.

This all leads me to share with you a recipe for some homemade hummus I made a few days ago. It’s easy, fast and cheap. Besides that, you’ ll know exactly what’s in it.

Last weekend, some friends stopped by without too much notice, and my cupboard wasn’t bare, but neither was it ready for company. They called just before driving over (they live 5 minutes away), so I had no time to run out and get anything, and I was embarrassed to tell them I had no wine on hand. (They brought their own!)

Fortunately, I had cheese, carrots, some crackers that were fresh, and the hummus-tapenade product from Trader Joe’s that I had just bought and found underwhelming. There aren’t many TJ products that get a thumbs-down, but this is one. I served it, thinking maybe they would like it, but noticed each gave it a taste and then stuck to the carrots and cheese. Obviously not a favorite of theirs either. I threw it out.

This got me thinking about hummus, and to make a long story short, I remembered that 1) I almost always have a can of chickpeas on hand, 2) I had made it several times long ago, and 3) My son liked my version more than store-bought.

Making hummus does not have to be complicated. Sure, it’s not as easy as buying some ready-made, but you can make your own quickly any time with pantry staples. And it’s cheaper since even organic chickpeas are just over a dollar a can.

A few days ago, I got to work. Instead of a blender, I pulled out my Black & Decker Handy Chopper, which I’ve had for probably 30 years. (More later on Chopper.)

Blender blades are such a hassle to clean, whereas the Chopper is a breeze since it comes apart easily and is perfect for small amounts. (It holds a cup of liquid.) I do have a Cuisinart, but for little portions, I rely on this chopper. Even with this chopping process taking three separate steps because the bowl is small, it was quick. The chopper leaves you with a chunky hummus (I don’t like soupy hummus), and you can season it to your taste.

Here it is:

I drained and rinsed a 15.5 ounce can of chickpeas and put it in a bowl. I added half a small red onion that I had chopped finely in the B&D.

I added ½ cup olive oil and a bit of water.

I like it lemony so I used the juice of 1 lemon.

Then, salt, pepper, a dash of cumin, coriander, paprika and one cube of frozen garlic and one of ginger (yes, I keep these on hand), which I had defrosted in the microwave. A bit of chili powder if you like spice. That’s it. Of course, you can add whatever spices you like.

I don’t use tahini because while many hummus versions do, it’s not a staple in my kitchen, and I don’t think you’ll miss it.

I put the mixture into the chopper a bit at a time, pulsing each time till it seemed smooth. I did it in three steps. Everything gets mixed together at the end, so you can adjust seasonings and consistency when it’s in the serving bowl.

Serve with crudite, chips or use as sandwich spread. Enjoy!

P.S. Regarding the B&D handy Chopper, I looked it up online to see if it was still on the market, and it is! Not sure anything new will hold up for more than 30 years though! It is larger by a 1/2 cup. Here it is on Amazon.

If you like vintage, you can buy one like mine from 1988 on eBay and a few other sites.

This is a photo of what came up on a Google search for the vintage version.

I hope you like the hummus; let me know if you give it a whirl.

Please also leave comments on whether Covid changed your life too, in whatever way. I’d like to do my next blog on that topic and would love to incorporate your thoughts. Thanks!