Hummus

This information was provided with permission from Cynthia Lair, www.CookusInterruptus.com. Recipe reprinted with permission from Feeding the Whole Family (third edition) by Cynthia Lair (Sasquatch Books, 2008)

Hummus is a traditional Middle-Eastern dish excellent for vegetarian sandwiches. The combination of chick-peas and tahini creates a high-protein spread. Tahini is a creamy paste made of crushed, hulled sesame seeds. Serve this delicious spread with warm pita bread and fresh vegetables. Yummy served with Mediterranean Quinoa and a fresh Greek salad.

2 cups cooked chick-peas
5 tablespoons tahini
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (juice of 1 ½ -2 lemons)
2-3 cloves garlic
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup cooking liquid from beans or water to desired consistency
Optional garnishes:
Chopped parsley
Paprika

Place cooked chick-peas in food processor or blender with tahini, salt, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Blend until smooth. Add cooking liquid from beans or a little water to get desired consistency. Garnish with chopped parsley or paprika if desired. Stores well refrigerated for at least a week.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Makes 2 3/4 - 3 cups