Asian Hummous

Bon Appetit January 2006. Use canned beans for quicker preparation. Don't skip the star anise as it is a key ingredient. Good with shrimp chips or Kettle Chips' brand Spicy Thai potato chips!

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Yields: 2 1/2 cups

Ingredients

• Hummous

• 2  garlic cloves
• 1  tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2  cups garbanzo beans, cooked (*drain but reserve the bean liquid*)
• 1⁄4 cup smooth cashew butter
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  regular  sesame oil
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  toasted sesame oil
• 3  tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  chili-garlic sauce (more for spicier version)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  freshly ground star anise
• 1⁄4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (NOT dried)
• 1  scallion, chopped

• Garnish

• 1 -2  whole star anise
•  sliced scallion

Directions

1. In a blender add all the hummous ingredients.
2. Process ingredients and if appliance is laboring, add a little bit more of bean liquid, 1 tablespoon at a time.
3. Process until smooth, scraping down sides of blender as necessary. Season to taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
4. Transfer mixture to serving bowl and garnish with sliced scallions and whole star anise.
5. Best prepared 1 to 2 hours in advance. Cover well (and if not eating soon, refrigerate), however serve at room temperature.