Klamata Olive and Sun-dried tomato hummus, Cilantro Lime Hummus

Hummus is one of my favorite foods. Chickpeas are really good for you, rich in calcium and fiber, and will take on any flavor you add to it. I like to eat hummus with crackers or pita chips/bread, fresh cut veggies, or as a "sauce" on a pizza. These are two that I came up with but you can be very creative and put whatever you feel like . Traditional hummus is just chickpeas, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper.  These are some jazzed up versions. 




Klamata Olive and Sun-dried Tomato 

Ingredients:
1 can chickpeas
1/4 cup pitted Klamata Olives in liquid or oil
1/4 cup Sun-dried Tomatoes in oil
olive oil
pepper


First wash the chickpeas well in a strainer until the liquid they are in is gone. In a food processor blend the can of chickpeas with a steady stream of olive oil until the mixture is smooth and has a creamy consistency.  Roughly chop up the olives and tomatoes and stir them in the chickpeas. Salt and pepper is optional. I would wait an hour or two before adding salt because the olives are quite salty and by waiting for the flavor to mix you most likely will not need it. 




Cilantro Lime

Ingredients:

1 can chickpeas

1 handful cilantro

1-2 tsp lime zest

1-2 limes juiced 

olive oil 

Salt and Pepper 

In a food processor lightly blend the cilantro and lime zest Add the well rinsed chickpeas, lime juice and a pinch or two of salt and pepper. I would start out with half a lime first depending on how much juice and flavor 1 lime produces. Blend all that together while pouring a steady stream of olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add more salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.