Hummus Recipe

Hummus is a dip or spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas, blended with tahini, Olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic. It is a popular food throughout the Middle East and elsewhere. Every time I make pita bread, I have to make hummus because they go very well together. You can use a food processor or a blender will work, and hummus is made using a simple recipe that requires no cooking at all.

Ingredients:
1 16 oz can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans
1/4 cup liquid from can of chickpeas
4 tablespoons lemon juice (depending on taste)
2 tablespoons tahini*
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 table paprika

Preparation:
Drain chickpeas, and set aside the liquid from the can. Combine remaining ingredients in blender or food processor. Add 1/4 cup of liquid from chickpeas. Blend for 3-5 minutes on low until thoroughly mixed and smooth.
Place in serving bowl, and create a shallow well in the center of the hummus.
Add a small amount (1-2 tablespoons) of olive oil in the well. Garnish with parsley (optional).
Serve immediately with fresh, warm or toasted pita bread, or cover and refrigerate.

* Tahini is roasted sesame seed and very well-known in Asian recipes. You can buy this paste in a Japanese grocery or Korean market. You can make hummus without Tahini, but the distinguished flavor of Tahini makes hummus more special.