Small Batch Hummus to Serve One or Two

Buying a big tub of hummus can seem like such a commitment, especially if you’re snacking solo or with a just friend or two.  My Small Batch Hummus recipe is perfectly proportioned so that you can finish it off in two sittings (or one snack session if super hungry) – or share it with a buddy and have no leftovers clogging up the fridge!   

Small Batch Hummus - Cooking for One

Exciting News:

This small batch dip (or spread) is featured in my upcoming cookbook, Cooking for One for Dummies (which can be pre-ordered now, ships on March 7, 2023)

Plus, when you make homemade hummus, you’re in total control of the ingredients – there’s no weird preservatives, additives, or yucky stuff.  Plus, you get all the benefits of chickpeas, they are abundant in dietary fiber and also a good source of plant protein, iron, folate and other essential nutrients.

It’s fast, it’s easy, there is no cooking – you start with a can of chickpeas. Of course, you can make your own chickpeas, but that adds a lot of time and hassle to what is an easy-peasy snack recipe for one or two.

skin on chickpeas
Gently rub any remaining skins off your chickpeas for smoother hummus.

After draining the chickpeas (a legume sometimes referred to as garbanzo beans), pour them out onto a clean dishcloth or paper towels and lightly rub dry. In addition to drying the chickpeas, the other goal here is to remove any lingering skins. The light patting dry will encourage stragglers to fall off, simply pick the skins out and discard. The skins will do no harm if they end up in your hummus, it will just be not quite as smooth and creamy.  

Then, it’s just a matter of whipping everything up in a food processor or blender. Since this is a small batch appetizer recipe, a mini food processor or personal sized blender will work best.

How to Serve Small Batch Hummus

  • Simply paired with raw veggies like carrots, celery, radishes, squash rounds are my favorite way to eat hummus.
  • Serve with pita wedges for dipping, smear on crackers, or spread on slices of toasted baguette.
  • Elevate sandwiches, wraps and quesadillas by spreading around as part of the filling.
  • Get creative and toss with hot pasta or zoodles for an instant chickpea sauce.
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Leftover Chickpeas in Can? While this homemade hummus for two uses just half a can of chickpeas, don’t throw the remainder out — you have options. First, you could easily double the homemade dip recipe, it scales up beautifully (however, do note the capacity of your mini food processor and use a bigger processor or blender, if needed). I also have another “1/2 can chickpea” recipe — Air-Fryer Crispy Chickpeas for One which also make a fabulous, heathy snack or salad topper.

Air Fryer Crispy Chickpeas for One a=is a quick, easy and healthy snack with lots of dietary fiber plus protein, iron, and folate.

Make both the Small Batch Hummus and the Air-Fryer Crispy Chickpeas for Ones and kill off the whole can at once making healthy snacks.

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5 from 9 votes
Small Batch Hummus - Cooking for One
Small Batch Hummus
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
 

Make just enough homemade hummus to get your through a couple health snack sessions — or to share with a friend. Easy, healthy, and homemade, a fantastic snack and spread to add to your active lifestyle. Lots of dietary fiber and a good source of plant protein, dietary fiber, iron, folate and other important nutrients.

Course: appetizers, dips, snacks, spreads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: appetizer, chickepeas, dip, garbanzo beans, snacks, spread
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients
  • ¾ cup canned chickpeas drained and rinsed (about half a 15.5-ounce can)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil plus an additional 1 teaspoon for topping, if desired
  • tbsp tahini
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp garlic or garlic paste
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
  1. Place all the ingredients in a personal-sized blender or mini food processor; process until smooth. If the consistency seems too pasty or thick, blend in 1 teaspoon of water at a time until desired texture is achieved.
  2. Transfer the hummus to serving bowl and drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika.
Recipe Notes

NOTE: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in fridge for up to 4 days.
VARY IT! Extra chickpeas from can be kept in an airtight container in fridge for a few days and added to salads, soups, and wraps

LEARN MORE! This small batch dip (or spread) is featured in my upcoming cookbook, Cooking for One for Dummies (which can be pre-ordered now, ships on March 7, 2023)

8 Golden, Good-For-You Turmeric Recipes

Turmeric, turmeric, the golden root . . .the more you eat, the more you “whoot”! Pardon me, I’m in a silly mood, but turmeric is an easy-to-use spice ingredient that kicks up both the color and nutrition of your recipes.8 Golden Good For You Turmeric Recipes

You may already be on board with an all-access, fast-track pass to turmeric town. But, newbies and veterans alike will find the mild, earthy taste to complement many dishes – and the health benefits are the bomb. This spice is abundant in curcumin, has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant powers that can help reduce the incidence of many diseases including some cancers, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, depression and more.  I’m no doctor, just a fan — google Turmeric Health Benefits to learn more about fresh turmeric and turmeric supplements. Meanwhile, check out my roundup of 8 Golden, Good-for-You Turmeric Recipes. Continue reading

Favorite Healthy Blender Recipes that aren’t Smoothies + Giveaway

This post and giveaway are sponsored by Hamilton Beach. However, all content, comments, recipes and enthusiasm are my own.

My engine is revving and I’m whirling with excitement to be sharing some of my favorite blender recipes today (including a special nut butter recipe) – you’ll notice there are no smoothies (it’s just too cold for me)! I’m also hosting a giveaway for a new Hamilton Beach ® Professional 1800 Watt Peak Power Blender (ARV $249), whoohoo! This versatile workhorse for your kitchen easily emulsifies oils into dressings, frapees fruit into frozen drinks, purees potatoes into porridge, chops veggies for your moire poux, and makes meat  . . .uh, well, minced meat It also makes child’s play of pulverizing the heartiest seeds and nuts into butter.

Sriracha Six Seed & Nut Butter delicious on wraps, as a dip, made into a sauce or by the spoon!

Check out my recipe for Smoky Sriracha Six Seed & Nut Butter featured today on Hamilton Beach’s Every Day Good Thinking blog. And then, come back to enter the blender giveaway and drool and pin my other favorite blender recipes.

Continue reading

“Go For The Gold” Turmeric Hummus Served 3 Ways

Turmeric Curry HummusWhen I want a satisfying snack that tastes super yummy, has loads of health benefits, and won’t have me hungry again in an hour, my “Go for Gold” Turmeric Curry Hummus with Minted Roast Chickpeas is a winner! It’s definitely what to bring to a football tailgate or sports watching party to show that you are the decided victor of dips and champion of chickpeas.Turmeric Hummus with Minty Roast Chickpeas is creamy and crunchy at the same time! A healthy snack with protein and fiber, perfect for post workout of for a party appetizer.

If you’re not familiar with turmeric, you need to get acquainted ASAP. I’ve featured it before in many recipes — my Turmeric Honey “Health” Shots have been popular! While it’s the primary spice in many Indian dishes (such as curry) and lends everything it touches (including hands) a golden yellow to orange hue, turmeric is consumed not just for its warm and mildly peppery taste, but also for the many purported health benefits.

For example, numerous studies suggest that turmeric’s active component, curcumin, helps alleviate or reduce the incidence of everything from certain cancers to depression – and it’s is highly touted as a natural pain-killer and anti-inflammatory. I take turmeric often to recover from hard workouts faster, I’m a fan of these Curcumin Capsules (from Turmeric Root Extract) sold by NOW Foods.

Turmeric.
I do advise using fresh turmeric along with the dried ground turmeric as directed in the recipe. The fresh has a more pleasingly distinctive aroma, flavor and health benefits in root form (technically a rhizome like ginger) than from the ground powder.  However, the ground turmeric helps distribute the golden-orange color evenly. If you’re looking for fresh turmeric, ask your produce manager to stock it from Frieda’s.
Turmeric Hummus Served 3 Ways - appetizer dip, pasta toss and veggie sandwich!

Make a big batch and portion into individual grab-and-go containers to stash in lunchboxes, backpacks and gym bags along with veggie sticks or crackers. However, dipping stuff INTO hummus isn’t the only way to enjoy it! My two other serving suggestions are to 1) pile up high on whole grain bread or a wrap along with other veggies to make a filling sandwich and 2) to toss with warm pasta or vegetable noodles (like “zoodles”) as a creative sauce.  I wasn’t sure if the sauce idea would work one night when fixing a “clear the fridge” dinner in a pinch — but it most certainly did!

roast chickpeas for a crunch healthy snackAlso, if you love a crunchy, salty snack the roasted mint chickpeas that I’ve used to garnish the top make a fantastic snack on their own.

Just double up that part of the recipe and keep the extra batch for snacking right off the pan – or to use as grain-free “croutons

By the way, I originally developed this recipe for Litehouse Foods using their Instantly Fresh Herbs! Check it out.

 

Do you use turmeric in your diet, what is a favorite recipe? If you’re at a party, do you go for the dips or the desserts? What’s on your upcoming fall season race season? Please share in the comments, XOXO — Jennifer  

"Go For The Gold" Turmeric Hummus Served 3 Ways
Prep Time
40 mins
Total Time
40 mins
 
Cuisine: Indian, Mediterranean
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
  • 2 cups canned chickpeas, rinsed, dried and “skinned” (divided)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint or nstantly Fresh Mint
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (divided)
  • 1/2 cup tahini (sesame paste)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic or Instantly Fresh Garlic
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger or Instantly Fresh Ginger
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried, ground turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated turmeric root *if not available, substitute and additional 1 TBSP dried turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • additional olive oil for serving
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 F degrees.
  2. After draining and rinsing chickpeas, place them on a paper towel and fold over, gently rubbing them. This will remove any remaining “skins.”
  3. Toss mint and salt together in small bowl. Take ½ cup of chickpeas and toss around with olive oil until coated. Add chickpeas to bowl with mint and shake around until dusted.
  4. Place chickpeas in oven and bake, tossing occasionally, for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden and crunchy.  Remove from oven and set aside to cool on pan.
  5. Place remaining chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, ginger, curry powder, dried turmeric, fresh turmeric, remaining salt and pepper in a food processor and blend till smooth and creamy. If needed, add a bit of additional lime juice or water to adjust the consistency.
  6. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and roasted chickpeas.

4 Ways to Eat a Black Bean Burger #OMGardein + Giveaway


Chipotle Black Bean Burger with Southwestern Zoodles
Black bean burgers are the bomb! Especially the Chipotle Black Bean Burgers from Gardein, with their spicy, smoky southwest flavor. I could think of a million ways to serve these plant-based patties and today I’m sharing 4 Ways to Eat a Black Bean Burger. Since these alternative burgers come four to a pouch,  you can enjoy something different with each one! And, the patties cook straight from frozen in minutes, so even on the busiest nights, you’ll can eat a healthy dinner at home instead of heading to the drive-through. Keep reading to get the recipes and to enter my giveaway for a $25 Visa Gift Card so that you can buy and try Gardein for yourself — plus there’s a $1 off coupon for everyone!

4 Ways to Eat a Black Bean Burger - make your next meal easy and healthy thanks to these plant-based patties from Gardein. #spon

I’ve always found meatless products from Gardein to be a quick and convenient way to create a plant-based meal, especially as a busy home cook who doesn’t have tons time to fuss with finding quality and adequate sources of plant-based protein – I can count on Gardein to help me out with this.

Chipotle Black Bean BurgerJust so you know, I am an eater of chicken, beef, seafood in addition to lots of plant-based proteins – I crave variety in my diet! Variety in colors, flavors and types of foods – I think it’s one of the best ways to ensure that I’m treating myself to a wholesome abundance of nutrients. Covering all the bases for my body, so to speak!

Making a meal featuring plant-based proteins is something that happens a couple times a week at my house – but when we have vegetarian and vegan relatives visiting, it’s more frequent.

Gardein products are good for your body, made with non-GMO soy and wheat, ancient grains and veggies. You get the taste, texture and protein content of meat for typically less fat, less calories and no cholesterol. And, Gardein products are all vegan and kosher.

Chipotle Black Bean & Spicy Zoodles Burger (pictured above)

Prepare black bean burger according to preferred method on package. Use spiralizer to cut ½ zucchini. Season with salt, chili pepper and cumin; steam in microwave-safe dish for approximately 1 minute or until tender but not mushy. Add prepared zoodles and patty to bun and add condiments of choice. Serves 1.

Chipotle Black Bean Burger with Southwestern Mushroom-Squash TossChipotle Bean Burger & Southwestern Mushroom-Squash Toss

  • 2 Chipotle Black Bean Burger Patties
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium summer squash or zucchini, spiralized or julienned
  • ½ pint button mushrooms, sliced
  • ½ cup grape tomatoes, halved
  • ½ teaspoon each: salt, cumin, chili powder

Prepare black bean burgers according to preferred method on package. In medium skillet, add olive oil and bring to medium heat. Sauté squash, mushrooms and tomatoes for approximately 2 minutes, or until softened, but not mushy. Season with salt, cumin and chili powder. Divide veggies among two bowls and top each with a patty. Serves 2.

 Black Bean Burger, Hummus and Spinach Stack - GardeinChipotle Black Bean Burger, White Hummus & Spinach Stack

  • 1 Chipotle Black Bean Burger Patty
  • ¼ cup packaged white bean hummus
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 cup packed fresh baby spinach
  • Garnish: pine nut relish from top of hummus or chopped nuts of choice

Prepare black bean burger according to preferred method on package. In small skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic and spinach for 1 to 2 minutes or until wilted. Top patty with hummus and spinach. Add garnish. Serves 1.

Gardein Black Bean Taco Bake for One Chipotle Black Bean Taco Bake for One

  • 1 Chipotle Black Bean Burger Patty
  • 2 tablespoons frozen corn, thawed
  • 2 tablespoons salsa
  • 2 tablespoons chopped tomato
  • ¼ cup crushed tortilla chips
  • 1 ounce cheddar cheese
  • Garnish with sour cream or Greek yogurt, if desired

Prepare black bean burger according to preferred method on package. Break cooked patty into small pieces. In small baking dish or large ramekin, toss together cooked burger pieces, corn, salsa and tomato until combined. Stir in crushed tortilla chips. Top with cheddar cheese and broil for 2 to 3 minute or until warmed through and cheese bubbling on top. Serves 1.

Gardein Meatless Pepperoni Pizza Pocket

I also love the Gardein Meatless Pepperoni Pizza Pocket (a new product) that is perfect for my lunch-on-the-go or those busy weeknights when kids have overlapping sports practices and I am literally feeding them in the car.  I really appreciate how easy they are to make (kids can do them in the toaster oven) and they have 42% less fat than traditional pizza pockets.

You need to try these products for yourself  — help keep life quick, easy and healthy! Head over to Gardein and get a $1 coupon now until May 31, 2016!! #OMGardein

Win a $25 Visa Gift Card at TheFitFork.comEnter my giveaway for a $25 Visa Gift Card so that you can buy Gardein and some fresh produce to make a healthy, plant-based dinner on me! Follow the Rafflecopter instuctions below:

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