Though there are those who would have you think that vegans only eat sticks, stones, and hummus, that is no reason not to enjoy this spicy and delicious food!

– Linda Nelson

Black Bean Hummus

Ingredients:

1 15 oz. can black beans
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons tahini
3/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt (or leave it out)
1/4 cayenne pepper
reserved liquid from beans
2 cloves garlic or to taste (I happen to live with a garlic fiend so I double the garlic. We will have no need to fear vampires!)

Directions:

Place the garlic in the bowl of a food processor, or chop by hand. Add all ingredients to the food processor or a blender except the reserved liquid. Process or blend until smooth. We like it with more texture, but choose what suits you. Add up to 3 tablespoons of the reserved bean liquid until you get the right consistency.

Scrape into a bowl and garnish with smoked paprika and Greek olives.