Hummus

Hummus is a popular food throughout the Middle Eastern countries. Its basic ingredients are Garbanzo (chickpeas), Tahini (sesame paste), lemon, and garlic. Hummus is high in iron and vitamin C and also has significant amounts of folate and vitamin B6. Like other combinations of grains and pulses, it serves as a complete protein when eaten with bread. Hummus is served as an appetizer and dip or accompaniment with other Middle Eastern food like Falafel, grilled chicken, fish, or eggplant.

In my house, besides hummus being scooped up by Middle Eastern flatbread, pita bread or pita chips, I serve Hummus with crackers, tortilla chips or potato chips. I also use hummus has a spread on my sandwich or tortilla wrap – a healthier substitution for Mayonnaise ;)

Garbanzo = chickpeas/Kabul Channa(hindi)/Kadale(Kannada);
- if you don’t want to use canned Garbanzo, Soak 1 cup dry Garbanzo in 5 cups of water over night (about 10 to 12 hours) and use.

Here is my version of easy & delicious middle-eastern hummus recipe.

Makes about 3 cups

Ingredients
. Canned Garbanzo – 1 Can (drained, rinsed)
. Garlic – 3 cloves, crushed
. Olive oil - 100ml
. Chilli powder- ½ tsp (or to your taste … I like it spiced up)
. Ground cumin - 1/2 tsp
. Juice lemon – from 1 lemon
. Tahini paste - 2 tbs (optional)
– I don’t use tahini, for some reason I stay away from Sesame

Method:
1. Place all the ingredients -Garbanzo, garlic, olive oil, chilli powder, tahini paste, cumin and ½ of the lemon juice in a food processor and process until combined. Add 1/4 cup (60ml) of water and process again until quite smooth.

2. Now for extra flavor( my fusion version), add salt, cilantro or coriander, dried basil and parsley. Pulse couple of time to mix them all. Do a quick taste and add more lemon juice if needed. Since nature has made lemons in different sizes, I don’t want you to blame me if your hummus turn out overwhelmingly lemon-ish.

3. Spoon hummus in a bowl and top it with a table spoon of olive oil and cut olives.
Serve with toasted Turkish bread, pita bread wedges, pita crisps, bagel chips, tortilla chips or potato chips.

It's amazingly quick and super easy to make, delicious, and healthy. No cooking involved. Good summer cooking, I hate standing near the stove on a warm day. Just grab the blender and you are good to go.