I recently discovered that I like hummus, specifically the red pepper kind. I want to try making my own, but in the meantime I want to know how long I can keep the store bought kind fresh in the fridge. I don't think I will eat the whole container in a week, can I keep it longer that that once its opened? Can you give me some ideas of what hummus is good with? I spread it on my dry toast crisps but I am at a loss what else to use with with.
I use hummus for a variety of things including as a dip for veggies and as a spread on sandwiches. It does keep for about a week but you can also freeze some as well if you don't think you'll eat a container in a week.
I've kept open containers for up to 2 weeks with no problem. I went out of town once and forgot to throw an open tu out, and when I came home it as moldy - but I think that one had been open for closer to a month at that point.
I LOVE using hummus as a spread in sandwiches and wraps. I get various flavored hummuses from Trader Joe's at 50 calories per serving, and they are delicious. Because I eat a sandwich for lunch almost every workday, they get used up before they go bad.
There is a hummus at Trader Joes that has cilantro and jalepenos in it. It is the best thing ever. 80 Calories for two tablespoons. It doesn't last long at my house either!
I often make my own, and it is so easy! You just need chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and a blender/food processor. Of course you can add to it any variety of spices, garlic, etc.
I use it as a dip for pita breads and vegetables, but my son eats his with blue corn tortilla chips. I use it as a sandwich spread, and I've even stirred some TJ's Roasted Red Pepper Hummus into mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving.
Tahini is basically sesame seed paste. Sometimes it's more paste-like, other times it's kind of fluid; it depends a lot on how much oil is in there. It's essential both in hummus and in another favorite dip of mine, baba ghanouj (or ghanoush or ganush or...yeah, you get the picture ).
You should be able to find it in the international foods aisle of a larger supermarket; if not, try Whole Foods or a middle eastern market, either of which is bound to have it in stock.