Hummus

Hummus is the most famous of all middle eastern dips. Hummus is an Arabic word meaning "Chickpeas". You can serve hummus as an appetizer and a dip. It is also served as part of a meze or as an accompaniment to Falafel, Grilled chicken, Tortilla chips, Crackers or Eggplant. It is tasty and nutritious, but also low in calories.  Hummus is a creamy puree of chickpea, tahini (sesame seeds paste) seasoned with lemon juice and garlic.

Ingredients

• 1 Cup boiled Chickpeas, drained
• 1/8 Cup liquid from chickpea
• 1 Tbsp fresh Lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Clove Garlic- roughly chopped
• 1 Tbsp Tahini paste ( sesame seeds paste)
• Salt to taste about 1/2 tsp

Direction

1. In a food processor, blend chickpeas, reserving about half tablespoon for garnish. Place lemon juice, garlic, tahini and salt. Add 1/8 cup of liquid from chickpeas. Process until smooth.
2. Place in serving bowl, and creat a shallow well in the center of the hummus.
3. Add olive oil in the well. Garnish with parsley and few chickpeas.
4. Serve with pita bread .

Notes :-

• Variations- Sprinkle with a small amount of paprika and drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil. Add  a small red chili (chopped) if you like a spicier hummus.
• Hummus can be refrigerated, covered, for up to one week and frozen for up to 3 months.
• Adjust seasoning according to your taste.