I make a lot of strange stuff.
Relatively speaking – I think it’s totally normal! 
I must confess that there ARE certain things that intimidate me. Heather’s Meatless Monday A-Z ingredient this week one of them. Yeast.
I am inexplicably intimidated by the thought of using yeast to make bread. Bread seems so complex to me! It’s only a few ingredients, I know.
For this week’s recipe I decided to be sneaky with the ingredient and use beer. Beer has yeast. It counts, right?
This was actually created for another reason: I had an Oscar party! I wanted to have food in the theme of the movies this year, and this killed two bird with one stone. Hummus for the Middle Eastern-set Argo and Zero Dark 30, and beer for the tailgate theme of Silver Linings playbook!
What resulted was a funky hummus, with the nutty tahini and cumin flavors we all love, combined with hoppy, brown sweetness from the beer.
The beer I used is a limited release. Laguanitas came out with a seasonal beer – Brown Shugga’ – a few years ago and apparently it was SO good that when they didn’t bring it back the following year due to capacity issues people were outraged. Laguinatas Sucks is their apology.
It’s awesome. It says brown shugga,’ but it has notes of citrus and pine that make for a really interesting marriage of flavors with the more tadtiional lemon and tahini in the hummus.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Brown Beer Hummus
- 1 can no salt added chickpeas
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 T fresh rosemary
- 1 T tahini
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp coriander
- 1/3 C beer (I used Lagunitas Sucks, a hoppy beer)
Add all ingredients to a food processor and process until smooth. Add additional beer for a thinner dip.
Serve with chips and veggies.
Makes 1 1/4 cups.
***
I wish they wouldn’t do these shows on Sunday nights. I’m SO tired… but how awesome was the Les Mis performance?!
Did you watch the Oscars? What was your favorite performance?
What are your thoughts on yeast? Does bread intimidate you?
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Lisa
February 25, 2013 at 12:19 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m with you! These shows should not be on Sunday’s. That’s the day I’m in bed the earliest. I’m super exhausted at this point in the week.
This is the most interesting hummus ever! And kind of genius. I’m trying to imagine how it all tastes together!
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 11:57 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
LOL! It’s definitely interesting, but I liked it. You could really have fun with it trying different styles of beer!
Debbie @ Live from La Quinta
February 25, 2013 at 12:45 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I was happy that for a change we on the west coast don’t have to watch a tape delay. Show starts at 5:30, over by 8:30 perfect!
You hummus looks interesting. Something I would never have thought of trying.
Kristina
February 25, 2013 at 1:22 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
VERY interesting!! I bet this hummus is fantastic.
I love everything about the Academy Awards… so today is one of my favorite days. I liked several things about tonight: Adele, the mention of Adam Yauch at the In Memoriam (R.I.P.), and the Les Mis was fantastic. I also loved DD Lewis in Lincoln, and thought his speech was the best of the night.
yeast? I overcame my intimidation years ago!
but I agree it CAN be intimidating, baking is an unforgiving science.
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 11:58 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am STILL smiling about the Adele and Les Mis performances! And how about Catherine Z in Chicago?
Angela @ hAppy fit mama
February 25, 2013 at 5:00 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love making my own hummus but I’d have to hide this one. My kids love hummus so I can just see them getting into this one day. Not good! But the humus sounds awesome!
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 11:59 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
LOL! I don’t think there’s enough in there to do any damange. Maybe next time I’ll try tequila…
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance
February 25, 2013 at 5:18 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Interesting about the beer! Bob and I were just driving around the other day and saw a liquor store that had Laguanitas Sucks on the sign, and we couldn’t figure out if they were describing the beer or if that the name of a new type. lol. This explains it!! Thanks–I’ll have to let Bob know.
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 12:00 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That’s awesome they had it – it’s really hard to find!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More
February 25, 2013 at 5:34 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
YUM! I wish they didn’t do these shows when I have to wake up at 3:30 the next day. I don’t even allow myself to start watching for fear I’ll be sad that I can’t watch it all or the awards I’m most interested in. But I got the general impression (via Twitter while lying in bed last night) that overall the show wasn’t that great, so maybe I didn’t miss much?
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 12:02 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
3:30 in the morning??? Why? Ouch!
I t hought the performances were really good. The winners don’t interest me… I’m not a big movie person.
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family
February 25, 2013 at 7:05 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This sounds amazing! MMMM ….
Miz
February 25, 2013 at 7:08 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
TOTALLY NORMAL IN A MISFIT’y WAY
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 12:03 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love our normal abnormality.
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles
February 25, 2013 at 7:36 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Haha beer?! Definitely the most clever way to work yeast into a recipe. I’m not a fan of beer myself (just can’t get that acquired taste) but I adore the idea!
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 12:04 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I bet it would work with a cider, too! Maybe even wine… something to ponder…
lindsay
February 25, 2013 at 7:53 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
oh i soooooo want to find a good GF beer to make this!! any thoughts?
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 12:05 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Did you see my sister’s response on FB? She says: harvester brewing (great all around) , o-mission (noah even says it tastes normal and drinks it with me), and daura estrella (tastes like a regular light beer).
Another thought is using cider. Apple or pear would be cool!
Parita @ myinnershakti
February 25, 2013 at 8:03 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I watch 2/3 of the Oscars and then proceeded to pass out on the couch. Adele’s performance was amazing. Her voice…beautiful!
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 12:07 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
She blows me away! Would kill to see her live.
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers
February 25, 2013 at 8:09 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ha, of course I would love this.
Lagunitas Sucks has been selling like crazy here in CLT.
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 12:08 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Can you find it in stores? I had to ask them to hold me a 6 pack when they got a shipment it!
Lee
February 25, 2013 at 8:11 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m definitely intimidated by bread. I’ll do quick breads and stuff, but real bread scares me. I should get over that. And I thought the Les Mis thing was great…until Russell Crowe started singing.
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 1:13 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Poor Russell… at least he has pretty eyes. And lots of money.
Khushboo
February 25, 2013 at 8:19 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I didn’t get a chance to watch the Oscars last night but will be watching the reruns tonight- I heard Adele’s performance was fab!
Heather (Where's the Beach)
February 25, 2013 at 8:22 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Oh wow, love this idea! I like baking bread actually. Though, I do sort of cheat. I have a bread machine and I use the dough setting to do all the hard work then I can roll it out after it’s done. I’ve got a few go-to recipes that I use for some amazing rolls that you can freeze and for a ciabatta bread.
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 1:15 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Do you ship?
Heather (Where's the Beach)
February 26, 2013 at 1:41 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Hmmmm perhaps that could be arranged
Maureen
February 25, 2013 at 8:26 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You had me at beer!
I watched the Les Mis performance 3 times thanks to my DVR and cried all 3 times.
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 1:19 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
It is the only time I’ve wished I had cable so I could do the same thing!
Jenn peas and crayons
February 25, 2013 at 8:38 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ahhhhh it’s gorgeous!!!!!! Love it girly!
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 1:32 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks, Lady! I’ll make you some with non-alcoholic beer
Kierston
February 25, 2013 at 8:45 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I seldom watch the Oscars let alone television. I like movies though. I wonder if any I watched got nominated lol
Love the recipes
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 1:38 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Too funny – I don’t like movies but I like the Oscars.
janet @ the taste space
February 25, 2013 at 8:49 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
We had beer on the brain, too, this weekend. Although I hate the taste of beer but was in love with beer fries Rob made. Couldn’t taste the beer but the fries were delicious! I wonder what Rob would think of beer hummus?? HA!
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 1:40 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I bet he’d love it! It doesn’t taste like drinking a beer though – the creamy chickpeas mellow it out.
LOVE beer fries!!
Christina @ the athletarian
February 25, 2013 at 9:11 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You are soooo creative. I would have never thought of beer and hummus! I don’t drink beer, or any alcohol for that matter. I’ve tried to force myself to like it but it just won’t happen…that’s not to say I wouldn’t like the hummus though!! I love any and all hummus. It’s the best.
Hmmm it doesn’t intimidate me to EAT bread. That is actually very easy for me hahaha. Making bread….I’ll leave that to the experts!
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 1:44 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I remember your beer run post… hahaha!
Carol @ Lucky Zucca
February 25, 2013 at 10:43 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you so much again for inviting me to come over and partake in your delicious food!! Did you stay up and watch the whole thing? Even though I went home early, I’m sleepy too!
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 1:46 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I did! But I’m usually up that late anyway.
Alayna @ Thyme Bombe
February 25, 2013 at 10:46 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Jeff is hooked on that beer right now. I could definitely get down with some beer hummus.
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 1:47 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Are you guys going to try to re-create it? I still want to taste one of your brews!
Alayna @ Thyme Bombe
February 26, 2013 at 1:59 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
He hasn’t brewed anything in a long time, mostly because he’d have to drink all 5 gallons of it by himself right now. I would love it if he tried to remake this one though, from the teensy sip of it I tasted it was definitely delicious.
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 2:14 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Just a few mor months… I’ll gladly volunteer to sacrifice myself by helping him drink it in the meantime. LOL!
Alex @ therunwithin
February 25, 2013 at 11:01 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I need to find tahini near me, I am on the hunt
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 1:48 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Most grocers carry it – check out the nut butter section!
Kammie @ Sensual Appeal
February 25, 2013 at 11:25 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
As a craft beer lover, I love this recipe! Nomz
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 2:09 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You should come to ATL sometime… we have a TON of breweries, and 2 bars that have beers lists it would take a lifetime to taste your way through.
Kammie @ Sensual Appeal
February 26, 2013 at 2:13 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’ll have to put it on my list of places to go in the near future! Sounds amazing!
Haley @ fullnfit
February 25, 2013 at 11:45 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
The BF has just started eating hummus.. and I definitely think this is one he would love! Thank you
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 2:14 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you! Let me know if you try it!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen
February 25, 2013 at 12:05 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
As I said in my post, I didn’t want to use yeast, but mainly just because I’m lazy and it seems like such a waste of precious time. I also don’t think that it did much of anything for my flatbread. But then again, who knows until I try it without it…
I love this recipe. I almost cheated and used beer, too. Of all the hummus I have made, I have never thought to put beer in it! Look at you, getting all creative.
Perhaps this beer hummus should marry either my hamburger hummus or Heather’s pizza hummus? Maybe a menage a toi-mmus?
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 2:18 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Laziness may have something to do with my aversion too… oops.
Menage a toi-mmus is bbrilliant!!! A Blend activity???
Sue
February 25, 2013 at 2:04 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Now that is a really strange kind of hummus! I actually love working with yeast because I just love the taste. I mostly use it for pizza dough or my Granny’s pancakes (note to self: make those asap!). But bread also needs sourdough, usually, and that one intimidates me a lot. So I cheated a little and used a packaged bread baking mix for my latest experiment. That mix does contain some yeast, though. Does that count?
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 2:23 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Pancakes made with yeast? I’ve never heard of that! I must google…
Sue
February 26, 2013 at 2:45 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Look for blini (Russian) or racuchy (Polish)!
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 2:50 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you!!
purelytwins
February 25, 2013 at 2:04 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
oscars we love to watch but agree why Sunday nights ?!?!
we started to watch it but we were so tired from our long weekend that we feel asleep during it LOL
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 2:24 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I don’t blame you! You guys rocked it this weekend.
elizabeth
February 25, 2013 at 6:18 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I make sourdough bread and sourdough dog biskets all the time and don’t find yeast intimidating, but bread making can be time consuming. I love Lagunitas “Little Sumpin’ Wild”, which has 8.8% alcohol, but I didn’t care for “Brown Shugga’”, for some reason. Your hummus recipe has all my favorites spices, will have to try soon.
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 2:25 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I loved Little Sumpin’ Wild too! In my mind, Lagunitas can do no wrong.
Jody - Fit at 55
February 25, 2013 at 7:08 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
OK – crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bot my thing BUT you are so amazingly creative!!!!!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast
February 25, 2013 at 8:40 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Wow, brilliant! And yes, I loved the Les Mis performance… still haven’t seen the movie yet, but now I really have to!
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 2:25 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Oh yes – I’m not a movie person and I loved it!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables
February 25, 2013 at 8:46 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love that I have friends who like weird food like me!
Hannah
February 25, 2013 at 8:50 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Holy [expletive] yes. YES.
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 2:27 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
LOL! I heart you.
Nadiya
February 25, 2013 at 9:17 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Oh my I have some unused beer siting around the house and no I know a perfect way to use it up. Awesome idea
Jessie
February 25, 2013 at 10:10 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Try living in a different country.. the oscars didn’t air here until 4:00 in the morning! haha. Thank goodness I’m able to squeeze in naps throughout the day if need be.
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 2:28 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
But you got up to watch them?? That’s hard core.
CCU
February 26, 2013 at 2:29 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Mmm what an awesome idea, need to stop this underage thing right now
Cheers
CCU
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli
February 26, 2013 at 5:14 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Wow, that beer sounds amazing! And I’m totally in love with the fact that you put it in hummus…AND braved the cold by taking pics outside I see!
It’s been so long since I’ve had a good beer! I think it’s about time I paid a visit to our local pub/brewery and ordered myself a vanilla ale! Mmm, it’s like hoppy cream soda! So good!
Sorry girl, not a fan of the Oscars…or any awards/celebrity shows for that matter. Call me uncultured, but I just don’t get the hype. :-/
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 2:33 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Heather. You should make vanilla ale PANCAKES!!! With bacon.
Grubarazzi (@Grubarazzi)
February 26, 2013 at 9:28 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yum! What an interesting combination. I bet it is delish!
Grace @ PracticingGrace
February 26, 2013 at 12:21 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m making hummus this weekend!! I keep putting it off but no more. I’ll let you know the combination I do–gonna be wild
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 2:33 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Awesome! I’d love to hear what you do – you know I love my Strange But Good.
Rachel @ My Naturally Frugal Family
February 26, 2013 at 1:26 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I did not watch the Oscars, I just get too tired to stay up that late. I saw Les Mis in the theater and on stage a couple of times, hands down it is one of my favorite shows (and I think the movie did it justice).
What a cool hummus. If I can find a comparable beer maybe I will try my hand at this one.
Bread did intimidate me, but i got a bread machine and that has eased some of my anxiety.
Laura
February 26, 2013 at 2:35 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’ve never seen the stage version, but after seeing Les Mis in the theater it’s on my list!
Heather @ Better With Veggies
February 26, 2013 at 11:52 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yeast intimidates me a bit too, that’s why I started with an established recipe. I LOVE your interpretation and really need a batch of this to enjoy while watching TV. No oscars for me, but regular TV will work.
Laura
February 28, 2013 at 10:18 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Mmmmm… I bet this would be so cool with your PB beer!
Heather @ Better With Veggies
February 28, 2013 at 5:29 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
We are out, but that would have been a great idea!
Jed Gray (sportsglutton)
February 28, 2013 at 8:33 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yes you make a a lot of weird things but I wouldn’t consider beer hummus to be one of them, especially when using some brown shugga. If you like that you should try their “The Censored” Rich Copper Ale which makes some phenomenal caramelized onions.
Laura
February 28, 2013 at 10:20 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I have tried Censored – it’s awesome. I love anything Laguanitas puts out.
Banana Wonder
March 7, 2013 at 10:13 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Genius! Love the beer addition 200%. I think this calls for beer bread to dip in. We should hummus guest post for each other! Holler!!!
Laura
March 8, 2013 at 12:50 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That sounds dangerous…. I’m IN!
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