Lemony Asparagus Hummus

 Have you gotten your hands on any local asparagus, yet?  I did.  At Verrill Farm.  Where else have you guys found it? 

Regardless of where your asparagus came from, have I got a treat for you.  I mean, besides roasting the spears with little more than olive oil and some salt and pepper.  Lemony asparagus hummus.  I can’t stop eating this stuff.  Luckily, I don’t have to because it’s just asparagus and chickpeas and a few other little things that aren’t bad for you at all. 

Just try and stop me.  I dare you.

 

Lemony Asparagus Hummus

Serve with simple olive-oil-brushed, salt-and-peppered pita chips.  Or try the dukkah-spiced pita chips that accompanied this recipe in Yankee Magazine.

2 cups fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 15-oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed well
2 medium cloves garlic
2 Tbsp. tahini, sesame paste
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of same lemon
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Meanwhile, fill a large bowl with ice water and set aside.  To the boiling water, add a generous pinch of salt and the asparagus.  Return water to a boil and cook about 4 minutes, until spears are tender and bright green.  Drain asparagus and submerge in the ice bath for a minute or two to stop the cooking.  Drain and set aside.

In a food processor, puree the chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lemon zest, lemon juice, and asparagus.  With the machine running, slowly pour in olive oil and process until combined.  Season with salt and pepper.  Serve with pita (bread or chips) and vegetables.

Source: Adapted from Yankee Magazine in an article by Annie Copps. 

Comments

[Tall Kate]

I got some at Wilson's in Lexington. Your recipe sounds delicious!

[andrea]

We've been getting it since late April. Secret source? Five year old backyard plot. Almost getting tired of it after a month of 3-4 times a week eating. Love hummus, so will definitely give this recipe a try.

And yes, I am kind of rubbing it in. :)

[melch]

I'm pretty excited about the emergence of asparagus. Any tips and tricks on how to mitigate the fact that it makes pee smell funny? (I'm hoping that since the early mushroom vomit posts have not been removed, you won't judge me too harshly for mentioning urine in the comments!)

[MJ]

Catching up after some time away. You get to eat whatever you want and as much as you want, for as long as you want. Congratulations.

[Pickledbeets]

Hummus, Mmmmm Asparagus Mmmmm - Congrats on the test results.