Homemade Hummus and Pita Chips

Homemade hummus is so much better than the kind you find in the store…This isn’t as good as one you’d be eating for breakfast in your kabbutz in Israel, but it’s still really good.  I like these chips too because a lot of the store-bought ones I’ve tried have been way too thick and hard.  Not to mention expensive.  I usually get a bag of 8 small pitas at Trader Joe’s (less than $2) and have lots leftover to make these chips.

1 can chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and boiled until tender (I find they usually need about an hour to get soft, but it depends on the brand)

1-2 cloves garlic, crushed

2 Tbsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 cup tahini

2 Tbsp olive oil

1/4-1/2 cup water, if needed

Put ingredients in a blender till smooth. Add water slowly if needed. For extra smoothness, add 2 ice cubes.  Taste and add more lemon juice and/or salt if needed.  (You can also get creative and add other spices like coriander, cumin, or fresh cilantro or parsley.)  Garnish with olive oil or sprinkle with paprika.

Pita Chips

Split open pitas and cut into wedges.  Place in a single layer (smooth side down) on a baking sheet.  Brush tops lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.  Bake at 350 degrees F for 6 to 8 minutes, until they start to get brown and crispy.  Flip them over and keep baking 6 to 8 minutes more, until they are fully toasted.