Southwestern Black Bean Hummus

I created this hummus recipe a few months ago as a guest post on Ashley's blog, but never posted it over here. Since it's a fun, easy twist on a food everyone loves, I decided it was worth sharing it again! Here's my recipe for spicy, creamy, Southwestern Black Bean Hummus.

Though my kitchen forte is undoubtedly baking, I do like to experiment with savory recipes as well. I come from a family of hummus-lovers, and while I used to think that the spread was difficult to make, in reality it’s incredibly easy. To change things up a bit, here’s my recipe for a black-bean based hummus.
 
Southwestern Black Bean Hummus

• 1 15.5 oz can black beans, drained with liquid reserved
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, depending on spice preference)
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt

Simply put all your ingredients into the food processor:

And blend until your desired consistency is reached, adding bean liquid to smooth if necessary. Makes approximately 3 cups.

The result is a thick, filling hummus with tons of spice and flavor. Served with tortilla chips, pita or crackers, it would make the perfect appetizer for a Mexican-themed meal!

What's your favorite kind of flavored hummus? Have you ever tried making it yourself?

Feature Friday: Eating Bird Food

Happy Friday, everyone! Tonight's featured blogger is...

Brittany, from Eating Bird Food!

I started reading EBF after meeting Brittany at the Foodbuzz Festival last November. (It's kind of neat to meet the blogger before discovering the blog- you get a way clearer sense of their personality that way!) Since she's been blogging since 2008, Brittany is quite a veteran of the blogworld, and that shines through in every post- they're all interesting, well-written and filled with beautiful photos of workouts, meals, everyday activities and recipes.

Speaking of recipes, I think they're my favorite part of Eating Bird Food! They're all creative, vegetarian and relatively easy to recreate. Nutella Rugelach or Beet Hummus, anyone?

So the next time you're looking for a fabulous recipe to follow, head over to Eating Bird Food and take a look around. I hope you love it as much as I do!

What have your favorite blogs been lately? Have you read any exceptional posts this week?

Guest Post: Sunshine 'n' Spice

Good morning friends, and happy Friday! Today's guest post comes from one of the most fun, confident, positive bloggers I know- Meg from Sunshine 'n' Spice. Enjoy!

* * * 

Hi Une Vie Saine readers! I’m so flattered that Gabriela has asked me to do a guest post on her lovely

blog! I’ve been a fan ever since I first discovered her posts – she’s been said to be the blogging “Buddha”

if you will, now I wish I could remember who referred to her as that, but I certainly agreed. Except she’s

about a thousand times more beautiful and womanly than that, I’m just talking mental aspects. I always

am blown away by her outlook and tips about living, eating and just being happy. She’s wonderful

and her blog reflects her personality and zest for life. Anyways, my name is Meg and I blog over at 

Sunshine ‘n Spice!

I’m really, really into summer fruits and veggies and I don’t know about ya’ll, but going to the grocery

store and seeing the rainbow of goodies in the produce section makes me want to buy everything. Now,

being realistic here, if I could afford everything and had a family of fifteen to feed or maybe a small

country, maybe I’d consider doing just so. But I don’t, so I can’t. I like to stick to a few favorites to satisfy

myself. One of the best investments – if that’s the right word for a food situation – is fresh avocado, lime

and tomatoes. Nothing screams summer and OLE like some homemade guacamole.

I like to channel my inner Mexican and smash up some goodness:

Ingredients:

- 2-3 avocados (depending on size)

- 1 tbsp chopped onion

- ¼ cup or so chopped tomato

- 1 tbsp olive oil

- Pinch cilantro, salt and pepper

I like to add a little cayenne pepper to mine every now and then for a swift kick in the tail.

Mash up your avocado and mix in all other ingredients! Easy as pie!

I like to use mine with chips, on top of eggs, in casseroles, with sweet potato fries or just by the

spoonful! Just go for it.

Happy munching!

Meg

Now here's the question: guacamole or salsa?