I’m always trying to come up with a easy portable lunch to take to work and on trips. I finally found a solution that’s easy, healthy and full of flavor. The hummus is smooth and creamy, and the cucumber provides a crunch similar to sticking potato chips in a sandwich (something I’m definitely a fan of). This recipe is both vegan and gluten free.

Ingredients:

Hummus
- 2 garlic cloves ( I like using frozen crushed garlic)
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons Tehina
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas (1 cup dry chickpeas is 2 1/2 cups chickpeas cooked)
- 6 dashes hot sauce (I use original Cholula Hot Sauce)
- 1 fresh squeezed lemon
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Sandwich
- 1 small seedless cucumber
- red pepper flakes
- 2 pieces bread
- paprika

Makes: 2 servings per pan

Directions:

You can make the Hummus with canned beans, but you’ll get much more bang for your buck if you plan to make this repeatedly by purchasing a bag of dried chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans. You must soak the beans for 8 hours (you can do this overnight or while your at work). Then boil the beans for 2 hours with at least 6 cups of water – bring the water to boil then reduce heat, cover and simmer. The ratio to beans is always 3 cups of water to 1 cups of beans. Once complete make the recipe below.

This recipe is so simple because you literally throw all the ingredients in the blender or food processor. Take the garlic, salt, tehina, chickpeas, hot sauce, extra virgin olive oil, and lemon, and blend. It’s that simple.

The trick to this is two things – roll the lemon between your hand and counter before squeezing – this will soften the lemon and you will get all the juice out. The second secret ingredient is the Tehina, it makes all the difference. It makes the hummus smooth, light and fluffy. Just finger licking good!

For the sandwich, I toast the bread. Then put a generous amount of hummus on both sides. Sprinkle lightly with paprika.

Peel and slice the cucumber, then place on the bread. I like 1 layer of cucumber but you can do 2 as well. Then sprinkle the cucumber with some red pepper flakes.

Close the sandwich, cut down the middle and you are done! An easy, refreshing, yummy lunch.

Tips:

• Add more garlic to make garlic hummus
• Add other additions to the sandwich like banana peppers, shredded carrots, and bean sprouts
• Serve as a hors d’oeuvre at a party by cutting into sandwich squares or use the cucumber as the bread with hummus in the middle
• If you serve the hummus alone with pita and veggies, spread the hummus on a plate. Then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika. Garnish with olives.