Jalapeno Hummus

Yesterday we received our CSA box, and boy was it a good one. Rhubarb, asparagus, radishes, kale, spinach, leek, cilantro, swiss chard and much more. This is my first asparagus of the season. My list is already growing, asparagus risotto, ribboned asparagus salad, shredded asparagus pizza and our favorite, pickled asparagus. How do you normally cook your asparagus? I am always looking for new ways as Jake does not like the stuff. Loves it pickled, doesn't love it any other way. Suggestions please!

For Hudson's birthday barbeque we made hummus based off of Yotam Ottolenghi's recipe in his book, Jerusalem. I have made hummus before, but normally. always from canned chickpeas. This time using the recipe in Jerusalem,  and I will never go back!

I made a big batch of hummus, and then separately made three different options. One topped with toasted pine nuts and feta cheese, another drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil and blackened flakey sea salt, and then jalapeno hummus. This hummus has quite a bit of heat to it, although you can adjust per your taste. It is seasoned with cumin, curry, roasted jalapeno and topped with red chili pepper flakes.

As the weather gets warmer, and it has been so warm, I tend to want lighter dinners. Not just lighter dinners, but also quicker dinners involving less oven use. After I made my hummus, I simply cut up an assortment of vegetables, and bam, there was dinner!

Look at those colors, I love spring vegetables! 

Recipe adapted from: Jerusalem

Basic Hummus:
1 1/4 cups dried chickpeas
1 tsp baking soda
6 1/2 cups water
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons tahini
4 tablespoons lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
6 1/2 tablespoons ice-cold water

Jalapeno Hummus:
1 roasted jalapeno, chopped (*roast until slightly blackened over gas stove, or in cast iron pan like I did)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
crushed red pepper to taste

Place dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover with water, soak over night. The next day drain the chickpeas and place in medium sauce pan over high heat. Add baking soda. Stir constantly for 3 minutes. Add water and bring to boil. Lower temperature slightly and cook for 20-30 minutes, while skimming foam off the top. The goal is to have the skins float to the top, this helps make the hummus more creamy. Chickpeas are done once you can easily smash them.

Drain the chickpeas and puree in food processor until a paste forms. Leave the machine running and add tahini, lemon juice, garlic and salt. Slowly add ice-water. Keep mixing for 4-6 minutes. At this point the basic hummus is complete.

For jalapeno hummus, now add jalapeno, ground cumin, and curry powder. Blend until combined. Once removed and ready to serve top with crushed red pepper flakes.