Creamy Hummus Food Art
Hummus is a staple 'ingredient' in our home, probably because my wife is Middle Eastern. We love to put in on our toast, in egg burritos, on sandwiches, and of course served as an appetizer with vegetables. What makes creamy hummus the most fun is the fact that it can be used as an edible 'glue'.
Consider making some funny faces, a tree, a flower, or even a car with some fruit, vegetables, and cold cuts for the ultimate kid friendly, healthy and delicious snack! You do not want your kids missing out on this one.
The Basics
From Prep to Completion 20 minutes
Temperature Room temperature or chilled in the refrigerator
Servings 6 appetizer servings
WhenIt Is Done The Creamy Hummus will be smooth and spreadable with a knife. Garnish with a dash of paprika and an extra bit of olive oil.
Pair With
Variations Use spices such as smoked paprika, or even consider herbs like cilantro and rosemary. You can even add in everything bagel seasoning!
Little Bit About: Creamy Hummus Food Art
Hummus comes in a variety of flavors, from cilantro lime to red pepper to olive tapenade. With that being said you can choose the flavor profile your family enjoys most and start there. Then do the same for the items you want to eat alongside it.
Pick your favorite vegetables, deli meats and crackers and do not forget some fruit. Though you won't be dipping the fruit in the hummus, it's refreshing to have it available as it is a palate cleanser.
Creamy Hummus is a versatile culinary 'glue' that can bring any kind of raw vegetable to life! It is kid friendly and absolutely delicious.
Teaching Moment
How to Make Food Art
Step 1: What are your kids interested in?
For instance, Ruby loves animals, and Jude loves bikes. Putting something in front of your children that they are already excited about will help encourage them to eat vegetables that may be new to them.
Food Art - A Flower made out of vegetables and hummus
Step 2: Start with fruits and vegetables that they enjoy, and then add in two or three more that you would like to introduce to them. Remembering to use your hummus as the edible 'glue' to help make this masterpiece come alive!
Step 3: Pay attention to your children's feedback. What was the reaction on their face? Did they say anything? What did they eat and what was left behind? Could you take what was left behind and cut it differently, pair it with a different vegetable or fruit?
Reintroduction to the same foods helps to promote a healthier diet for small children that are weary of 'mysterious' foods (aka foods they don't eat often).
Making the Time
Keep it impromptu when you can! Every once in a while I will whip this up and throw a 'picnic' in our living room, our kids love it! Either way let yourself get creative in the kitchen and if you are able, bring the kids into it. They can give you ideas of what to put where and you'd be surprised how they will take the lead on this one. And as always, enjoy your time together making a new memory!
Mise en Place:
Read the recipe first | Lay out your ingredients | Prepare your tools | Start cooking
Creamy Hummus Food Art
Creaming the tahini and lemon juice
Adding spices, garlic and olive oil
After the chickpeas have been blended
Creamy Hummus Food Art
Servings: 6 Time: 20 mins Difficulty: easy
We find this recipe to be the very best way to introduce raw vegetables and fruits to our children. They love to touch, dip, break, poke and explore every bit of the plate! Do not be discouraged, they are learning and having fun. So make a mess and make it delicious!
1/4 cup of Tahini
2-4 tbsp of lemon juice, (about 1 to 2 lemons) *
2 large garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
1/2 tsp of salt
1/2 tsp of cumin
1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper
3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil, more for serving
1 15.5 oz can of garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
paprika, for garnish
Drain and rinse garbanzo beans, set aside.
In a food processor combine tahini and lemon juice. Blend for 1 minute, then scrape sides with spatula. Continue blending for an additional 2 minutes, it will start to get frothy. This is the most vital step to getting extremely smooth hummus.
Scrape sides, add in spices, garlic, and olive oil. Blend again for 1 minute, scrape sides and blend for an additional minute.
Add in all garbanzo beans and blend for a minute. Scrape sides down and blend for another minute. Consider your desired creaminess and add more liquid*, if not to your liking.
Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and paprika overtop, if eating immediately. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
What to Consider
If you finish up and feel like your hummus is still too thick, go ahead and add more water, olive oil or lemon juice to adjust consistency. Do not forget to keep tasting as you go.