Chickpea Appetizer (Hummus Habb)

Engrossed's Note:

From: "Classic Vegetarian Cooking from the Middle East & North Africa" by Habeeb Salloum. From Palestine and Jordan regions.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (garbanzo beans)
• 2 -4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 6 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons scallions, finely chopped (green onions)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped to garnish or 1/2 teaspoon dried mint, to garnish

Directions:

1. Thoroughly mix all ingredients except the mint; then place in a serving bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour.
2. Just before serving, garnish with mint.

Reviews

[Chef Kate]

I liked this VERY much, but had a couple of problems with the recipe. First, the amount of oil (even with using only about 3 tablespoons), lemon, garlic and salt was way too much for one can of chick peas. Once I added a second can, it was much improved. Second, resting it only one hour did not really give the flavors a chance to marry. Aftr that short time, the garlic totally predominated. However, after several hours, the flavors absolutely shone. The lemon/garlic/cilantro/mint mix was terrific with th scallions. Interestingly, this also served as the base for a second great dish--mixed with warm pasta, this formed a lovely salad, with the pasta the perfect foil for the lemony garlicy beans.

[MsSally]

I just have to say I've never tried hummus before, but now I know what all the fuss is about. Even my picky DH ate this. Well I made him taste it before I told him what was in it :) But he ate it willingly after the fact too. I made it just as stated, except I did not use mint. I used parsley cause that is what I had. I also only used 2 T of olive oil. The recipe doesn't state to, but I put all the ingredients in my food processor and blended till smooth. It was perfect.

[Chef #649500]

Must say, this was the perfect hummus recipe - it came out perfect - Excellent taste and texture