Is there an easy hummus recipe?

Ever since we returned to America from Afghanistan, we've been craving homemade naan (flatbread) as well as the Lebanese hummus we used to have delivered to our home almost weekly. So, I set out to see if I could make as tasty of a hummus recipe as we remembered from our Lebanese friends.

Try this and let me know what you think!

What is Hummus?
Hummus is a creamy dip, typically made of crushed sesame seed paste (Tahini) and cooked and mashed chickpeas. It may be considered vegan hummus.

Flavors such as salt and olive oil are added, and the spice unique to its region. For example, the Lebanese have a special spice blend, which is different from the Greek or Turkish blends. (More on Middle Eastern spice blends later). For now, keep it simple and use what you have on hand.

What is an Easy Hummus Recipe?
A natural hummus recipe is one made at home without any preservatives and fresh ingredients. Really, you can adjust the recipe to your tastes, depending upon what you and your family prefer.

Ingredients
Tahini - 4 rounded tablespoons, less if you prefer the lower-fat version (Tahini paste is often available in a jar in the Asian/Indian section of your favorite grocer)

Chick peas - Short Method: Open two cans (15oz) of chick peas and drain, saving the water for blending.
- Long Method: Soak two cups of chick peas (Garbanzo beans)
over night. Cook until tender the next day, and drain, saving 2 cups of the liquid.

Cayenne Pepper - add a pinch

Lemon - squeeze the juice out into a bowl or 2 tablespoons or lemon juice concentrate

Garlic

- 2+ cloves, minced

Olive Oil

- several tablespoons, optional (enough for drizzling over the top)

Salt - season to taste

Paprika

- sprinkle on top for presentation

Directions
Mix the chick peas, juice from one lemon, and garlic in a blender, food processor, or hand masher. Use the liquid from either cooking the chick peas or from the can if more liquid is needed in the blender.

Add salt and cayenne pepper to taste.

Spread the cream on a plate, and drizzle olive oil over it. Add sprigs of parsley and paprika for decoration. Serve with fresh hot naan or pita bread and enjoy!

Variations

• Try adding roasted red peppers or minced garlic to make either roasted red pepper hummus or garlic hummus.


• Substitute black or white beans to make black bean hummus or white bean hummus


• Oregano and Kalamata olives, chopped, for Greek hummus

Do you have a best hummus recipe you'd like to suggest? Let me know, and I'll include it for everyone to see!