Char’s Mixed Herb Hummus

Common question I’m asked when teaching cooking is: What to do with leftover fresh herbs?

You know, you follow a recipe, it calls for 1⁄4 cup (60 mL) of chopped fresh herbs… then you’re left with oodles of herbs. You pop them in the back of your refrigerator (with the best of intentions) – just to find them later turned to mush and/or dried up (depending on how you’ve stored them). I’ve been there too, don’t be fooled!

My all time favorite way to use up leftover fresh herbs is in a bean dip. As many of you know, one of my go-to pantry staples is canned beans. They are an inexpensive plant protein source, loaded with fiber and can be used in a variety of ways.

My mixed herb hummus/bean dip is a great way to use up leftover fresh herbs + a good excuse to eat more veggies. Simply chop up a bunch of carrots, peppers, cucumbers and get dipping!! This dip also makes a fab sandwich spread too!

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 cups (500 mL – 750 mL) lightly packed mixed fresh herbs (my go-to combo is: parsley, mint & dill…but use whatever leftover herbs you have on hand *including green onions*)
• 3 cloves garlic (or to taste)
• 1 can (540 mL) chickpeas (or white kidney beans), drained, rinsed and patted dry with paper towel
• 1⁄3 cup (75 mL) tahini (OR 1⁄4 cup (60 mL) natural peanut butter)
• zest & juice of one lemon
• 3/4 tsp (3 mL) salt
• 1⁄4 tsp (1 mL) chili flakes (or to taste) or fresh ground pepper
• 1⁄3 cup (75 mL) olive oil

Directions

1. Place fresh herbs and garlic in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade.
2. Pulse until roughly chopped.
3. Add remaining ingredients (except for oil) and pulse (scraping down sides of bowl when needed) until well combined.
4. With the motor running drizzle in oil.
5. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving.

Makes about 2 cups (500 mL).

Delicious & Doable Tips:

~ use zest and juice of 2 or 3 limes instead of lemon. If you like a super zesty hummus, use 2 lemons and/or one lemon and 2 tsp (10 mL) cider vinegar.
~ if the hummus is too thick for your liking, buzz in 1 or 2 tbsp (15 mL to 30 mL) water and/or more oil.

Where to Find ‘Delicious & Doable’ Across Ontario

Find ‘Delicious & Doable ~ Recipes For Real and Everyday Life’ on Amazon (click here) or at one of the below retailers across Ontario:

Type Books ~ 883 Queen Street West, Toronto
Lemonberry ~ 2 Orchard Heights Blvd #10, Aurora
Fanfare Books ~ 92 Ontario St, Stratford
Casual Gourmet ~ 1027 King Street West, Hamilton
The Post Office – 18 Front St. N, Thorold
Chef’s Paradise ~ 1314 Bank Street, Ottawa
Gift It Grey ~ 19492 Opeongo Line, Barry’s Bay
Creative Cook ~ 35 Manitoba St, Bracebridge
Muskoka Brewery ~ 1964 Muskoka Beach Rd, Bracebridge
Stephen’s Butcher Shop ~ 8 Harris St, Port Carling
Hilltop Interiors ~ 1150 ON-141, Rosseau
Cedar Canoe Books ~ 72 Main St E, Huntsville
Clark’s On Main ~ 1090 Main Street, Dorset
Bigley’s Cottage Kitchen ~ 39 Bolton St, Bobcaygeon
Farmer’s Daughter – 72 Main St E, Huntsville
Kitchen Bits ~ 1390 Kingsway, Greater Sudbury