A Cookable Feast

This white bean and fresh thyme hummus makes the perfect appetizer to bring to a spring soiree. It’s easy to make and incredibly addictive. Serve it with your favorite fresh vegetables or pita bread (my guilty pleasure for sure!) or chips.

-1 cup dried navy beans (or other similar white beans, such as cannellini)

-1/2 cup virgin olive oil

-2 tbs. tahini paste

-1 tbs. minced garlic, or three cloves garlic

-2 tbs. lemon juice

-2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves (stripped from about a small handful’s-worth of sprigs)

-1 tsp. kosher salt

-1/2 tsp. black pepper

-1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

-1/2 cup water

Soak beans, covered by several inches of water, in a bowl for at least eight hours. Drain them, then add them to a large pot, covered again with several inches of water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat until reduced to a gently rolling simmer; cook for one hour. Drain and rinse them, then add them to a food processor or blender along with the remaining ingredients. Mix well; if hummus is still too thick, keep adding a little more water and mixing until it’s the desired consistency. Scoop it into a container, garnish it with fresh thyme sprigs and a little cayenne pepper, and feel like the fancy one bringing the totally un-store-bought snack to the party!