Fugly Lentil Hummus

Lentil Hummus may not be as popular as her cousin, Garbanzo, or as pretty as Beet and Edamame, but she's got a great, protein-packed personality. Truth be told, her cousin, Black-Eyed Pea isn’t much of a looker either. But have some compassion. Fugly needs love, too.* 

So to all the wallflowers sitting in the fridge on a Saturday night:

You are so beautiful to me

You are so beautiful to me

Can’t you see?

You’re every bean I hoped for

You’re every pea I need

You are so luminous

Luscious and leguminous to me

* Lentil hummus may be portrayed as "fugly" to compensate for blogger's food-styling skills.

Lentil Hummus Recipe

1 cup dried brown lentils

Salted water

Bay leaf (optional)

3 cloves garlic

3 TBSP tahini

3 TBSP lemon juice

½ tsp cumin

½ tsp salt

Boil the lentils in a pot of salted water (and add bay leaf if using) for about 20-30 minutes until chewy, but not mushy (start checking them before they turn to mush). Drain lentils and let cool.

Place cooked lentils, garlic, tahini, lemon juice and spices in a food processor and purée (if you want it smoother, purée more). If too thick, add a little water for the consistency you like. Adjust spices. Hummus will keep for about a week in the fridge.

Meet the family:

Beet Hummus

Edamame Hummus

Black-eyed Pea Hummus

Cheater's Lavash Crackers