Spicy Garlic Hummus

I was driving down the road when I ran over some hummus. A little further on, I hit taramasalata. Then I saw a road sign: 'Caution - dips in road'

I am a huge lover of hummus and I usually make it two or three times a month.  I like to switch it up and make different varieties; such as black bean, or white bean and feta. I love throwing in fresh jalapenos, raw cashews or cilantro.  Lately though, I've been craving just the good 'ole traditional hummus.


I played with this recipe a bit and have decided that I'll keep this one around. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.  


P.S. This recipe has a kick so if you're shy about spice, I'd cut the cayenne down to 1/4 tsp and add more to taste. If you like a bit of heat, try adding in a dried chili or some chili flakes.

Spicy Garlic Hummus

Ingredients:

- 1 can chickpeas, drained (reserve some liquid from the can as you will add this while pulsing in the food processor to smooth it out)
- 2 cloves garlic (add more to taste, of course. If you're using roasted, you will want to add about 4 cloves)
- 2 tbsp tahini
- juice of one lemon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper 

Directions: 

1. In a food processor, blend the chickpeas until they resemble coarse breadcrumbs.  
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and pulse, you are trying to get it to a smooth and creamy texture.  
3. Start to add the reserved chickpea liquid in small bits, as you continue to pulse until you get it to the desired consistency.  Taste test.
4. Adjust seasonings and lemon to taste. 


Serve with fresh cut veggies, pita or nacho chips. Enjoy!






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Grilled calamari that will keep you coming back

After prepping the seafood for the paella we were about to make, we realized we had WAY too much seafood.  Instead of overwhelming the dish we decided to put the extra squid aside and use it for an appetizer the next day.  I figured a great way to use it would be a delicious grilled calamari appie. I am the queen of appies and had never actually grilled calamari before so I thought this would be fun.


I didn't marinate it very long because I actually couldn't wait to try it. Don't worry, you don't need to let it sit for 2 hours, if you only have 30 mins to let it rest in the marinade, do it. It's still good to go. ;)

Ingredients:


1 1/2 pounds cleaned squid (about 3 pounds whole) tentacles separated from the bodies, rinsed and patted dry
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons fresh oregano leaves
2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes


Chopped parsley, garnish
Lemon wedges, garnish


Directions:


Cut the squid bodies along the sides to open flat. With a thin sharp knife, lightly score the insides, being careful not to cut through all the way.


In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes. Add the squid bodies and tentacles, toss to coat, and marinate for 2 hours, refrigerated, turning twice.
Preheat the grill to high heat.
Grill the squid, turning until opaque, slightly golden, and just cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the squid to a cutting board and slice into strips. Slice the tentacles if desired. Give a squeeze of lemon and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.


You can thank me later. 

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