Hummus bi Tahina

(Middle Eastern chickpea and sesame dip)

Hummus is popular appetizer, or meze, throughout the Middle East. Serve with grilled or toasted pita bread cut into wedges. Or use as a sandwich or wrap spread.

Image © iStockphoto

4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

Chickpeas, cooked and drained -- 2 cups
Tahini (sesame paste) -- 1/4 to 1/2 cup
Lemon juice -- 1/4 cup
Garlic, crushed -- 2-4 cloves
Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
Water -- as needed
Olive oil -- 1/4 cup
Parsley minced -- 1-2 tablespoons

Method

Place the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic and salt into a food processor or blender and process until very smooth. Add water as needed to achieve a soft, spreadable consistency. Adjust seasoning with lemon juice and salt to taste.
Mound the hummus in a serving bowl and drizzle the olive oil over the top. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Variations

In Egypt 1-2 teaspoons of ground cumin are usually added.
Sprinkle with paprika for added color.

Add new comment

Yummy Hummus

Submitted by Pam (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 20:20.

I have used a similar recipe for years and have had many people tell me it is better than the local Mediteranean restaurant. I like to serve it in a hollowed out bread bowl with the bread as dippers along with fresh veggies and Pita chips or warm pita bread. If there are leftovers, I have Hummus sandwiches in pita with tomato, chopped onion and a crunchy lettuce.