The first time I had hummus was at work, a co-worker shared a bit of her lunch with me.

INGREDIENTS

1-15/16 oz. can of chickpeas*
1 heaping tablespoon Tahini* (sesame paste)
2 to 4 roasted garlic cloves (roasted*)
1-1/2 to 2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt to taste
Pita bread, warmed

DIRECTIONS

Open the roasted garlic cloves, smash and put into blender. Open can of chickpeas, drain liquid into cup and save 1/4 cup chick pea liquid. Do not rinse chickpeas. Add drained chick peas to blender, along with salt, tahini, olive oil, paprika and lemon juice, blend mixture until it is until creamy and smooth.

Place hummus mixture on plate and smooth into a small mound. Drizzle extra olive oil over the hummus. Tear warm pita bread into small pieces and place around hummus, use pita bread to scoop hummus. Alternatively place hummus on several pieces of pita bread and serve on small individual plates.

Hummus is excellent served as a dip for a raw vegetable platter of celery, zucchini, baby carrots and blanched broccoli and cauliflower. To blanch broccoli and cauliflower put into boiling water for 60 seconds, then remove from hot water immediately and plunge into ice cold water. Place blanched veggies a towel to remove excess water.

Double this recipe and make fried hummus balls. Form mixture into 1½ inch balls and deep fry until they are a light golden brown. Let cool on paper towels and spear with tooth picks. Dip in plain yogurt with a little lemon juice and dill added.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.


Hints & Tips
*Chickpeas are also called garbanzo beans or ceci (chi chi) beans. These little round legumes are a member of the pea family. Keep a can in the fridge and serve as a snack. These beans have a nice nutty flavor.

*Tahini is made from crushed sesame seeds and is the consistency of peanut butter. It can be found in most supermarkets, it may be labeled Sesame Paste or Sesame Butter. If Tahini is not available, I have heard that smooth peanut butter may be used in its place.

*Roasted garlic can be purchased at the supermarket, or you can make your own.

*Hummus Balls are delicious stuffed in Pita bread. Stuff shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes in 1/2 round of Pita bread; add a couple of hummus balls and spoon yogurt over them. Spicy and delicious.