Chickpea and Tahini Dip
Hummus is one of the most famous and most popular of all Middle Eastern meze, and it is eaten at all times of day as a snack or even a meal in itself. Local cooks often serve it with attractive garnishes, such as pomegranate seeds or chopped green onions.
Ingredients
– 1 15-oz. can chickpeas
– 2 to 3 tbsp. tahini*
– 2 cloves garlic, crushed with a garlic press or the back of a spoon
– Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp.), or more to taste
– ½ tsp. salt
– ¼ tsp. cumin
– 1 to 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp. paprika, cayenne pepper, or cumin
– 2 tsp. olive oil.
* Tahini is available in Middle Eastern, Greek, and Asian groceries or in the international or gourmet section of many supermarkets.This ingredient has a very strong flavor, so add according to your tastes.
Instructions
1. Reserve the liquid from the canned chickpeas. Combine chickpeas, tahini, crushed garlic, lemon juice, salt, and cumin in a blender or food processor. Add 2 to 3 tbsp. of the reserved chickpea liquid and process at medium or “puree” speed until mixture is a smooth paste. Add more chickpea liquid or water if necessary to get a moist, spreadable dip.
2. Place hummus in a wide, shallow serving dish. Garnish with parsley and sprinkle with paprika, cayenne, or cumin. Drizzle olive oil over all and serve with pita bread.
Food: Chickpea and Tahini Dip
