HUMMUS

What is Hummus?
Just so we are all on the same page, let’s talk about what hummus is. If you aren’t familiar, hummus is a delicious spread or dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and spices. It’s commonly eaten in the Middle East and the Mediterranean.
Ingredients:
1 (16-ounce) can of chickpeas, or garbanzo beans
1/4 cup liquid from the can of chickpeas
3 to 5 tablespoons lemon juice, depending on taste
1 1/2 tablespoons tahini, sesame paste
2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
Handful of fresh parsley, optional garnish.

Steps to make it :

1.Gather the ingredients.
2.Drain the chickpeas and set aside the liquid from the can. Combine the drained chickpeas, lemon juice, sesame paste, crushed garlic, and salt in a blender or food processor. Add 1/4 cup of the reserved liquid from the chickpeas. Blend for 3 to 5 minutes on low until thoroughly mixed and smooth.
3.Place in a serving bowl and create a shallow well in the center of the hummus.
4.Add a small amount (1 to 2 tablespoons) of olive oil in the well. Garnish with parsley (optional).

Serve immediately with fresh, warm, or toasted pita bread (Lebanese bread), or cover and refrigerate.

Tips:
Hummus can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be kept in the freezer for up to one month. Add a little olive oil if it appears to be too dry.
Tahini is a traditional and important part of the hummus recipe and cannot be substituted. However, it can be omitted.