Copycat Trader Joe's Mediterranean Hummus

I'm generally against restrictive food resolutions for New Year's, just as I'm against diets that totally eliminate any particular food group.  

Though I know those diets can be helpful for some people, I think they can also be dangerous, in that they make people obsess over food in an unhealthy way.

I prefer a more balanced, everything in moderation approach, much like Michael Pollan's philosophy: "Eat food, not too much, mostly plants."

Nevertheless, I still set a couple food-related New Year's resolutions this year:

1.) Make more bread at home.

2.) Make more hummus at home.

3.) Eat less refined sugar.

#1 was inspired my newfound obsession with no-nead dutch oven bread. This recipe has been popular on the internet for a while now, but I just got around trying it in December and I am absolutely in love. You'd think this crusty round loaf came from a professional bakery, but you can make it easily in your own kitchen! As the recipe name indicates, it doesn't require any kneading, just 12-18 hours to rise. 

#3 was inspired by the fact that, probably like most of you, I overindulged on sugar during the holidays. I initially resolved not to eat dessert except on special occasions. This lasted exactly 9 days.  Some days, you just absolutely, inexplicably, need chocolate.  So, I made these vegan, refined-sugar free, gluten-free brownies (with peanut butter instead of almond butter). They were delicious, and because they're semi-healthy, I'm calling that a win. 

Finally, #2 was inspired by the fact that I consume an alarming amount of hummus every week.  It's such an easy thing to make, and while I love the Trader Joe's hummus, there's no reason I can't make it at home.  This particular mediterranean variety is smooth, creamy, and savory. The tahini flavor isn't strong, as it is in other types of hummus, but the other mediterranean flavors like lemon and sun-dried tomatoes really shine.  Feel free to mix up the ingredients and topping as you like.

Do you have any New Year's food resolutions?  Giving up chocolate was a silly idea, right?

Copycat Trader Joe's Mediterranean Hummus

Ingredients:

1 can garbanzo beans, drained

1 garlic small garlic clove

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon tahini

3/4 teaspoon salt

juice of 1 lemon

pinch of cumin

pinch of dried oregano

pinch of crushed red pepper (or more if you like it spicy)

small handful of fresh parsley, or a pinch of dried parsley

1 tablespoon chopped sun-dried tomatoes

1/4 cup hot water

Directions: 

Add all the ingredients except for the hot water to a food processor. Pulse until smooth. Gradually pour in the hot water while the processor is running. Continue running the food processor until the hummus is creamy and smooth. 

Chill for a few hours in order for the flavors to set. If desired, serve topped with extra olive oil, fresh parley, and crushed red pepper. 

Adapted from Sweet Anna's.