Hummus

Hummus is a healthy dip/spread which is very popular throughout the middle east. The main ingredient is cooked and mashed chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans). Arabs enjoy hummus with pita bread. But you can have almost anything with hummus - bread, crackers, sliced cucumbers... you name it. A trickle of olive oil and pickled green chillis add extra flavor to Hummus.  

Hummus with Pita Bread

It is rich in nutrition too. It contains a significant amount of Iron, Vitamin C, Folate and Vitamin B6. For those who follow vegetarian or vegan diet, this will be very helpful. 

Ingredients:

Chickpeas - 1 Cup (Washed and soaked for about 5-6 hours)

Tahini - 1/2 Cup

Extra Virgin Olive Oil - As needed

Cumin Powder - 1 Tsp

Garlic - 4-5 Cloves

Freshly Squeezed Lemon/Lime Juice - 1/4 Cup

Finely Chopped Green Chilli -2

Finely Chopped Garlic - 3 Cloves

White Vinegar - 2 Tsp

Salt to taste

Paprika/Chilli Powder for garnishing

Method:

1. Cook the chickpeas with a pinch of salt. Chickpeas should be cooked till they are soft. (Pressure cooking is recommended)

2. Once cooked, drain the excess water and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. Reserve a handful of chickpeas from that.

3. In a food processor, add chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and salt. Grind to a smooth and creamy paste. Adjust the seasoning to your taste; you can add more olive oil or chickpea liquid when grinding (if necessary).

4. In a small bowl mix the chopped chilli and garlic with vinegar and some salt. This pickle gives a zing to your hummus.

5. Ready to assemble. Transfer the ground paste to a clean and dry plate or saucer. Make a smooth depression in the middle, with the back of a spoon. Now drizzle some olive oil. Garnish with prepared pickle, reserved chickpeas and paprika/chilli powder.