Black Bean Hummus
30 Min
GF
V

Black Bean Hummus

Hummus is central to many Mediterranean cuisines — but it does not need to be made with chickpeas. Medieval cookbooks mainly mention only two ingredients in hummus_ chickpeas and ground sesame, but today, we add garlic, lemon juice and olive oil.

 

Instead of chickpeas, one can use simple yellow or red lentils, red beans or black beans for a different flavor. This recipe uses micro-nutrient dense black beans combined with black sesame seeds, which I have resolved to eat more of due to their high calcium content.

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Cook Time

30 Minutes

Serves

4

Step 1
Soak the black beans overnight or at least for 6 to 8 hours. Drain. Combine them with 4 cups of water and bring to a boil. If any scum rises to the top, discard it using a slotted spoon. Cover and simmer for 40 to 45 minutes or until they are soft to the touch. Turn the heat off and let the beans rest in the liquid for at least an hour. Drain.
Step 2
Separately, grind the black sesame seeds in a spice or coffee grinder until smooth. They may get a little sticky and stick to the sides so be careful not to over-grind. Combine the black beans, ground black sesame, garlic, black pepper, cinnamon, salt, and lemon juice and pulse until smooth. This may take 4 to 5 minutes, but the beans should be completely puréed. If the mixture is too dry, add 3 to 4 tablespoons of water.
Step 3
Stir in half the olive oil and save the rest to drizzle on top. Serve with herbs and white sesame seeds. The hummus will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
1 pound black beans
1/2 cup black sesame seeds
6 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons sea salt
Juice of 2 lemons
1/3 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling on top
A few herbs for garnish
White sesame seeds for garnish

Notes & Variations

  • Substitute 1/4 cup of tahini for sesame seeds.
  • Substitute red beans for black beans. Instead of black pepper, use red chili powder. To intensify the red color, add a few tablespoons of beet juice.
  • Serve with crackers, cucumbers or carrots or use it as a sandwich spread.
Tags:
30 Min
GF
V

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