Hummus ~ Basic and Simple

Hummus, a very popular Middle Eastern dip that is used as an appetizer and served with pita bread.

Ingredients:

• Chickpeas, boiled- 1 cup
• Extra virgin olive oil-  ¼ cup + 2 tbsp (add more if required for blending)
• Garlic- 5 small cloves (Indian size)
• Lemon juice- 1 tbsp 
• Red chili powder or cayenne pepper- 1 tsp or to taste
• Roasted cumin powder- 1 tsp
• Sesame seeds- 2 tbsp (or ¼ cup tahini)
• Salt- to taste

Method:

• Soak chickpeas for minimum 8 hours. Boil with salt. Cook till soft.
• Roast the sesame seeds.
• Grind sesame seeds into fine powder.
• Add cooked chickpeas, chili powder, cumin powder, garlic, salt, lemon juice, olive oil and garlic in the same grinder.
• Blend to a smooth paste.
• Pour this paste~hummus in the bowl. Dazzle some olive oil and sprinkle little chili powder and cumin powder. 

Serving Suggestions: 

Serve hummus as dip with pita bread. 

Use as sandwich or wrap spread.

Note:

Extra hummus can be stored in an air tight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.