Easy Fresh Basil Hummus

Last year I got into the habit of making a big pot of garbanzo beans (or chickpeas) from dry soaked beans. We were living in Japan and hummus was not available locally so I would whip a big batch up. I found a store that sold bulk bags of legumes and would make 2 to 3 cups of dry beans at once to make a few different recipes. I also grew a huge basil plant on the patio and would add those big fresh green leaves into my  mixture and it was delicious not to mention all the great vitamins and nutrients we gain from this herb. Here is my easy vegan basil hummus recipe.

You can make this recipe as is or you can do a healthier version by removing the oil and adding more water and/or lemon juice.

I've even removed the tahini when I don't have it.

Or used more cumin if I ran out of lemon.

My recipe is a traditional hummus with the oil and tahini but I've fooled around with this recipe and have enjoyed it with and without.

I like to use my hummus as a spread on toast. 

I'm obsessed with avocado toast but when I don't have avocado, hummus works great too!

I added some cherry tomatoes, sliced onion, hot sauce, paprika, salt, pepper, and basil leaves on this toast.

The kids liked snacking it up with the cucumbers and crackers.

They think I'm nuts with all the onion on my toast but I find it adds such great flavor.

I don't care what anyone thinks! It's healthy and delicious.

Check out our recipe and tell me what you think.

Easy Vegan Basil Hummus Recipe

The Goods:
1 Can garbanzo beans drained and rinsed or 1.5 Cups cooked
3 Tbsp Olive oil and some splashed on top for pretty look
2 Tbsp Tahini
1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice)
1 clove garlic
3 Tbsp water
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 paprika and some for garnish
1 cup fresh basil leaves
pinch of cumin

*Can be made oil-free by using more water/lemon juice instead of the olive oil

What to Do with all these Ingredients:

If you are making this in your food processor like I do, first put your garlic in and shred to bits. You can also use a garlic press or chop finely on your cutting board.

Add all of other ingredients except your basil leaves food processor and pulverize.

Add basil leaves and pulse a few times until your leaves are chopped and mixed.

Feel free to taste and add a little more of any of the spices if you want a little more flavor. If it isn't creamy enough, go ahead and add a little more water.