HUMMUS

HUMMUS

Hummus is a popular Arabic dip primarily made from chickpeas. It is traditionally eaten with pita bread accompanied by olives. However you can use it as a sandwich spread, or even on crackers. Freshly made Hummus certainly tastes refreshingly different from the canned variety. 

INGREDIENTS

A can of chickpeas (Drained) OR 1 Cup of freshly boiled and cooled chickpeas

2 Cloves of Garlic (Cut into Bits)

4 - 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil

1 Tablespoon of Tahini Paste

Juice of 1 Small Lime

Dash of Salt

A Little Chilled Water

Some Olives and Olive oil for Garnish

NOTE: Tahini Paste is sesame seed paste. It is available ready made from stores. However, in case it is not available in your area, you can prepare some for yourself.

Toast 3 Tablespoons of sesame seeds on low flame. This should take only a minute and make sure you do not brown them. Place them in a mortar with a tablespoon of olive oil and grind this to a paste. This will give you enough tahini paste to add to 1 can of chickpeas.

METHOD

Tip in all the ingredients in a liquidiser. Do not add water. Just pulse it a few times and if you find that the paste is too thick, then add chilled water a little at a time until the motor runs smoothly. Taste for salt and add more if required.

However, do not make a runny paste. Hummus is best when it is a little thick. Almost like peanut butter. Once it is smooth, tip into a bowl. Drizzle olive oil over it and garnish with olives. You can also sprinkle a little chilli powder over if you so desire.

The above recipe is the traditional or basic hummus recipe. There are dozens of variations which you can always give a try. You can add any of the following: Basil leaves, Pepper, Green Onion, Beet (cooked), Spinach or even Feta Cheese. You can increase the amount of Garlic for that garlicky flavour or even add Curry Powder.