[shel]

Decided to whip up a batch of hummus today. However, instead of canned garbanzo beans I want to use dried beans, and I realized that there's an Indian grocery nearby that sells black garbanzos. OK! Then it occured to me that there are black sesame seeds, and I found a source for black tahini. Based on what I now know, the hummus will end up a somewhat unappetizing grey, not what I want, regardless of taste. So, what might be used to color the hummus to give it a black color?

shel

[AllanMcPherson]

Gills from portabellos, maybe a hit of red beet juice, squid ink. Just off of the top of my head.

--Al

[ED BUCHANAN]

Squid ink,, black truffle paste / .?????

[Jim]

Instead of olive oil... try motor oil.. Just kidding.

[bluedogz]

Howz about some black beans? I use the liquid from a can o' beans in some boiled white rice with a fistful of cilantro, and everyone loves it...

[shel]

Originally Posted by bluedogz

Howz about some black beans? I use the liquid from a can o' beans in some boiled white rice with a fistful of cilantro, and everyone loves it...

Black beans are too grey when used in hummus. Plus they'll dilute the flavor of the black garbanzo beans. Thanks for the suggestion.

shel

[OregonYeti]

I have food coloring, but no black. No white either, for that matter.

This brings up an interesting question--what foods are really black besides burnt things and black pepper? And black pepper doesn't color the food it's in.

I made a blue custard once, just by adding blue food coloring to custard. My then-teenage stepkids loved it. I called it close-your-eyes custard.

[siduri]

I thought i had sent this but i think something must have screwed up. Anyway, I think you shouldn;t try for black, since you either have to use coloring, which is gross and doesn;t make things look more appetizing, or add something that has a flavor that probably won;t go with the hummus.
Why not do something to enhance the greyness of the hummus - maybe adding black sesame seeds whole into it, to give some flecks of black, and some nice chopped parsley on top. Maybe even paprika could enhance the appearance, seeing the grey through the red and green. Then choose a nice colored dish, like silver or maybe a dark wine red color.

[shel]

Originally Posted by siduri

I thought i had sent this but i think something must have screwed up. Anyway, I think you shouldn;t try for black, since you either have to use coloring, which is gross and doesn;t make things look more appetizing, or add something that has a flavor that probably won;t go with the hummus.
Why not do something to enhance the greyness of the hummus - maybe adding black sesame seeds whole into it, to give some flecks of black, and some nice chopped parsley on top. Maybe even paprika could enhance the appearance, seeing the grey through the red and green. Then choose a nice colored dish, like silver or maybe a dark wine red color.

You did send that, and I replied. The messages must have gotten lost in the server update. Anyway, after looking at the possibilities, I decided to do pretty much what you've suggested. Thanks!

shel

[shel]

Originally Posted by OregonYeti

This brings up an interesting question--what foods are really black besides burnt things and black pepper? And black pepper doesn't color the food it's in.

I don't believe there is any true black vegetables and plants found in nature, although there are some things that are pretty close, such as black carrots.

I'll post info in another thread ... Carrot Museum

shel

[Mezzaluna]

How about black trumpet mushrooms?

[shel]

Originally Posted by Mezzaluna

How about black trumpet mushrooms?

I don't know as I'm not familiar with the many varieties of 'shrooms. Considering how 'shrooms grow, there may well be some black varieties.

Thanks,

scb

[bughut]

I agree with Siduri.
Instead, why not blitz some black olives through it...Might look good and it tastes great. By the way, is there any difference in the flavour of black beans. Tesco sells them, but I'm reluctant to try till I know wat to expect

[shel]

Originally Posted by bughut

I agree with Siduri.
Instead, why not blitz some black olives through it...Might look good and it tastes great. By the way, is there any difference in the flavour of black beans. Tesco sells them, but I'm reluctant to try till I know wat to expect

Oh, I like that idea ... the olives will certainly add a nice touch.
The black garbanzo beans have a richer, somewhat more earthy taste, at least the ones that I tried did. However, I bought the least expensive ones just to try, and there were two ther types/brands in the market. Both had a deeper color and the owner of the market suggested one of the choices other than the one wjich I bought. I'll try onee of the darker beans this next time.

If you go to this thread Hummus (Humus) and scroll down you'll find a few comments about the black garbanzo beans and a recipe that shows them off very nicely.

My notes on the recipe:

Notes: Use two chipotles and a little more adobo sauce. Use agridulce paprika.
Rinse chipotle can and use the adobo/water mixture in place of plain water.
1 cup cilantro leaves could be OK

shel

[geese4u]

I don't have any suggestions as to how to darken a "black" Hummus, but I also like to play around with variations on classic simple recipes/formulas. One that I am currently trying to refine is a "Japanese" Hummus using Edamame', with ginger, sesame oil, yuzu, and garlic. So far I have discovered that the sesame oil can only be drizzled on at the end, due to it being so strong. I also want to try to heat it up a little with a garlic chili paste.

Any suggestions re.. a way to get the finish product into people's mouths? I think that fried wonton wrappers are logical, but they seem a little "Chung King" to me.

Sorry if this is a thread hijack.