Healthy Homemade Hummus + Baked Pita Chips

Healthy Homemade Hummus + Baked Pita Chips Recipe

This homemade hummus is creamy, nutritious, and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Paired with crispy baked pita chips, it makes for a perfect healthy snack or appetizer!

Homemade Hummus Ingredients:

• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
• ¼ cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• 2-3 tablespoons water (as needed for desired consistency)
• Paprika and extra olive oil for garnish

Baked Pita Chips Ingredients:

• 4 whole wheat pita breads
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs for extra flavor

Instructions:

To Make the Hummus:

1. Blend Ingredients:
   • In a food processor or blender, combine the drained chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, and salt.
2. Adjust Consistency:
   • Blend until smooth, adding 2-3 tablespoons of water gradually to reach your desired creaminess and texture.
3. Taste and Adjust:
   • Taste the hummus and adjust seasoning (more salt, lemon juice, or garlic if desired).
4. Serve:
   • Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika for color.

To Make the Baked Pita Chips:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the Pita Bread:
   • Cut each pita bread into 8 wedges (or triangles), separating the two layers of each pita to get more chips.
3. Season the Pita:
   • Arrange the pita wedges on a baking sheet. Brush each side lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. For extra flavor, add garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs.
4. Bake:
   • Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the chips are golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through for even baking.
5. Cool and Serve:
   • Let the pita chips cool for a few minutes before serving them alongside the hummus.

Tips:

• Hummus Variations: You can add roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or herbs like parsley for different flavor twists on the hummus.
• Storage: The hummus can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The pita chips can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, but they are best when freshly baked.

Enjoy this healthy snack! It’s perfect for dipping vegetables, crackers, or spreading on sandwiches as well.