Authentic Hummus

Leggy Peggy's Note:

This recipe is from my dear friend, Elias, and his family. They are from the Middle East and this recipe is a staple for them. It has just the right balance of flavours.

• Total Time: 10 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 18

Yield: 2.25 cups

• 1 -2 garlic clove (use smoked garlic if you can get it)
• 3 tablespoons tahini
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 (16 ounce) cans garbanzo beans, which equals about two cups drained (chick peas)
• 1 lemon, juice of, only
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 -2 tablespoon olive oil
• paprika (optional)
• parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions:

1. Drain and rinse garbanzos. Do NOT use can juices for the liquid in this recipe. They 'muddy' the flavour of the end result.
2. Put garlic, tahini and salt in a blender or food processor and buzz until ingredients are well mixed (10-15 seconds).
3. Add garbanzo beans (one can at a time) and blend after each addition. You can reserve a few whole beans for garnish.
4. Add lemon juice and blend.
5. Add as much water as you need for the consistency you like. I usually use it all, unless the lemon is ultra juicy.
6. Spread hummus on a flat plate. Create a bowl shape by elevating the edges with hummus.
7. Drizzle olive oil over the hummus, sprinkle with paprika and garnish with reserved whole beans and chopped parsley.
8. Serve with flat Arabic bread. It's nice to toast the bread lightly in the oven.

Reviews

[Foodie in Olympia, WA]

3.5 actually. Thanks for sharing this recipe. It was very pretty, and easy to make, but I found there is a huge difference in flavor by using dried beans as opposed to those in a can. I also wonder if it would have been better using my Cuisinart over a blender. Might try it again using the Cuisinart, dried beans, and some cumin.

[Lalaloula]

This is a very classic, creamy, thick and yummy hummus! It is perfect for veggie dipping and has an intense chickpea flavour. I used the optional parsley and liked that a lot. Next time I will add some more spices as we found it a little bland for our taste. Maybe some more garlic and some cumin, but thats just us.
THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing this great little recipe with us, Peggy!
Made and reviewed for Aussie/NZ Recipe Swap #48 January 2011.

[twissis]

Originally made as written for ZWT6 Family Picks because I multi-task & needed hummus for Mediterranean Dip Duo. BUT the hummus purist in me found she liked it so well that she expanded that recipe to include your hummus, the blended w/sour cream hummus + the Mediterranean-style salsa. All were served to family dinner party guests w/homemade garlic pita chips as cocktail hr finger food & enjoyed by all while we awaited the main-course grill effort. The presentation is esp pretty & won admiring comments from our family for the obvious care taken. Thx for sharing your tasty recipe w/us. :-)