AVOCADO WATERCRESS HUMMUS

By Elijah Madayag

For National Avocado Day at Sumida Farm, we decided to shine a spotlight on some of the fresh lesser-known ingredients that make our farm so special.  This celebration is all about showcasing the incredible produce we grow, starting with our prized avocados.  Each harvest from our treasured avocado tree is a moment we eagerly anticipate, and this year we've paired them with other farm-fresh ingredients to create something truly special.

We included vibrant limes from our recently pruned lime tree which has been yielding an abundance of flavorful fruit, making them the perfect addition to this dish.  And while we continue to experiment with growing cilantro in our herb garden, it's exciting to see it come together with our peppery watercress to round out this recipe.

Our avocado watercress hummus isn't just a celebration of National Avocado Day; it's a testament to the care and intention we put into every ingredient we grow and every dish we create. We're thrilled to share the delicious possibilities that come straight from our farm to your table.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained
• 1/4C fresh lime juice
• 1/4C cilantro leaves
• 3T extra virgin olive oil
• 2T tahini
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 ripe avocados
• 1/2 bunch of watercress, stems removed
• 1/2t ground cumin
• salt and pepper to taste

METHOD

1. Prep the chickpeas: start by opening and draining the can of chickpeas. To achieve an ultra-smooth hummus, boil the chickpeas in a small pot of water for about 20 minutes.  This helps loosen their skins, which can be removed easily afterwards.  Drain the chickpeas and rinse them under cold water, rubbing them gently to remove as many skins as possible.

2. Blend the ingredients: in a food processor, combine the lime juice, cilantro, olive oil, tahini, garlic, avocados, watercress, and cumin.  Blend until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

 3. Incorporate the chickpeas: add the prepared chickpeas to the food processor and blend again until you reach a creamy, smooth consistency.  If the hummus is too thick, you can gradually add more olive oil or a splash of water to achieve your desired texture.

4. Season to taste: taste your hummus and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Blend briefly to incorporate.

5. Serve and enjoy: transfer the hummus to a serving dish, drizzle with a bit of olive oil if desired, and garnish with extra cilantro or watercress.  Serve with pita bread, veggie sticks, or your favorite snacks.