Market Fresh Recipe: Easy Lemon Cilantro Hummus

Hummus is a simple and low-cost food that is full of flavor, and healthy too. Like most consumers, I usually pick it up at the market, but that can get pricey. Next time, try whipping up a batch with the help of a blender or food processor.

Primarily made of chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, the Middle Eastern dish has ingredients that are cheap and easy to find. A 15-ounce can is about 67 cents at . If finding tahini proves to be difficult at your local grocer, try . I found it next to the peanut butter.

Come snack time, it's great served with pretzel sticks, vegetables or pita bread. 

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp Tahini
• 1 clove garlic, quartered
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and ⅓ cup liquid reserved
• 1 cup cilantro leaves, loosely packed

Directions:

• In the order listed, add ingredients, including reserve liquid, to a food processor or blender.
• Mix until the hummus is coarsely pureed. Season to taste.
• Chilling it overnight allows the flavors combine.

Recipe adapted from Real Simple.

Buy your ingredients at the West Hollywood Farmers' Market, held every Monday (rain or shine) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at , 1200 N. Vista St.