Butter Bean Miso Hummus

I've been creating a lot of complicated dishes lately and haven't had the time to record them in my blog. I tend to record the easy stuff and unfortunately some of the best stuff I've been making hasn't made it to my blog. 

I recently had a big party at my house and cooked up a variety of vegan goodies. The non-vegans at the party went nuts for several of my recipes, which I find very rewarding. When you can open people's minds to the idea of veganism it can be very powerful. It's amazing how good tasting food can make more of an impact than a discussion about cholesterol, cancer and animal rights. The way to many people's hearts are definitely their stomachs! 

For my party I made three types of hummus. One was sun dried tomato and fresh basil, the second was a spicy black bean and for a third one I wanted something really different. I wanted to create something savory yet different than typical hummus. 

I pulled out various items from my pantry and fridge and just started adding things into my food processor. I sampled as I went until I got the right flavor. It wasn't fabulous at first, but like your typical hummus - it tasted WAY better once it chilled in the fridge for a while. It actually got even better the next day. I really have no idea of the amounts I used for most of the ingredients, so I'll just do my best to record what I used. I had so many compliments on this dip that I don't want to forget what I did. Okay.....

In a food processor add the following: 

-2 cans drained butter beans

- 1 heaping tablespoon of yellow miso (miso is very salty - so you might want to add a little at a time because the canned butter beans may already be a little salty)

- 3 green onions (cut into thirds before tossing in)

- a tablespoon (maybe more) of tahini (I used the regular not the roasted, but they should both taste fine, I think.)

- coarse ground pepper to taste

- red pepper flakes to taste

- nori flakes (this is seaweed and it will add to the salty flavor so be sure to keep your salt balance in check) to taste

- roasted sesames to taste 

- a tablespoon (maybe less) of sugar (this just helps balance out the flavor but don't go crazy with  the sugar - I just tossed a few sprinkles in here and there as I tried to get the taste just right)

- wasabi powder to taste

- extra virgin olive oil - to get the whole thing mixing (add as needed to blend) 

- I don't remember adding two of the key ingredients of typical hummus - garlic and lemon juice. I suppose you could add these two ingredients (or just one) but I don't think they're necessary. 

The final consistency will resemble mash potatoes, if it is too stiff to dip a chip then add more olive oil and continue to blend. 

When trying to get the balance right, be sure to sample the dip with the exact type of dipping device your guest will use. If you're serving salty chips, make sure your dip isn't too salty. If you're serving french bread then make sure the hummus has a full flavor that will incorporate with the bread as a flavor sensation. 

Tomato and Eggplant Pate

I love eggplants!! I created this pate the other day and it was a hit. 

- In a large frying pan or wok saute the following (line the pan with olive oil): 

1 heaping tablespoon of crushed garlic

1/2 sweet onion - chopped (you don't have to make the pieces too small)

1 medium size eggplant (cut into thin slices and quartered)

4 or 5 grinds of sea salt

4 or 5 grinds of pepper

3 or 4 shakes of paprika

- Saute until onions are golden and the eggplant is soft and thoroughly cooked through. Set aside to cool. 

- In a food processor add the following: 

1/3 can of tomato paste

3 to 6 tablespoons of sun dried tomatoes 

12 to 20 kalamata olives

The sauteed mixture (if it is still warm, that's okay)

A few grinds of salt

A few grinds of pepper

3 to 5 shakes of red pepper flakes

Olive oil (Add a couple of pours - don't go crazy) 

- Blend mixture. If too thick, add more olive oil. 

- Blend in more salt and pepper until you get the right balance. Remember, you can't take away, so only add a little at a time. Blend and sample. Add more olive oil, salt and/or pepper until it tastes just right. I'd sample it with a salty chip so that you don't go too nuts with the salt. 

- Put pate into the refrigerator (I used a glass bowl). The pate will become more flavorful as it sits and cools. Also keep this in mind when adding salt and pepper.