Jalapeno Black Bean Hummus

"Two Beans Means Two-Times-Tastier Hummus"

For this hummus recipe, TWO types of beans are used! That's right! You've got your garbanzo beans or chick peas, which are usually the base of most hummus recipes, plus one of my favorites: black beans. As I mentioned in my last post, I'm giving the kale a break because some jalapenos in my garden have grown to full size! Two different types of beans also means lots of protein. Chick peas have about 2 g of protein per tablespoon, and for black beans, it's about 3 g per tablespoon. 

I like to serve hummus with fresh vegetables, pretzels, pita chips, or crackers. Really anything can be dipped in hummus, and hummus can be a great appetizer, salad topper (just add a dollop in addition to, or instead of salad dressing), or snack.

I made this recipe using two cloves of garlic and it was a tad bit too garlicky for me. If you love garlic, go for it. My grandma loves garlic so much she says if they sold garlic flavored ice cream she'd be first in line! If you're like me and you enjoy garlic but don't want it to overpower your hummus, stick to one clove. For this recipe, I also used 1 jalapeno because I was sharing the hummus with my mom and she is somewhat sensitive to spicy foods. To my surprise, the hummus came out pretty mild. You could totally taste the yummy jalapeno flavor, but even my mom said it could've been a tad spicier...so I recommend using 1.5 to 2 jalapenos for a medium to hot flavor. 

Jalapeno Black Bean Hummus:

-1 15 oz. can chick peas

-1 15 oz. can black beans

-2 tbsp. tahini

-2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil (use more if the hummus appears to be too thick)

-1.5 to 2 chopped jalapenos

-1 clove chopped garlic 

-juice from 1/2 a lemon

-pinch of cayenne pepper

-pinch of cumin

-salt and pepper to taste (I actually don't think I needed to use any!)

Directions:

1. Open both cans of beans, rinse, and drain. Add both to a food processor.

2. Prep all other ingredients (chop jalapeno and garlic, squeeze lemon juice, etc.) and add to food processor.

3. Pulse to desired smoothness and serve with veggies and crackers! Garnish with a jalapeno ring and/or a few whole black beans if you want to be fancy :)

Happy, healthy eating! :)