Mediterranean Hummus Appetizer

Inspired by Zea's Hummus Appetizer Platter. Refrigerate time not included. (So good I strongly suggest doubling the hummus recipe since you'll already have on hand the toppings.) Note: I made a remarkable discovery. Adding lemon zest makes for extraordinary so I added it as an optional ingredient. Update: Substituting about half of the olive oil with chickpea juice makes for a fluffier hummus. Note: Since originally posting this recipe, I've come to realize that boiling your chickpeas for about 5 minutes makes for a better end product. Make sure you reserve the juice should you want a thinner hummus. Should you cook your own chickpeas from dried, use 1 1/2 cups drained chickpeas to equal the amount in a 15 ounce can.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• Hummus

• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained (simmered for about 5 minutes if desired)
• 2 -4  garlic cloves, minced
• 1⁄4-1⁄2 cup olive oil (can sub part with juice from chickpeas)
• 3  tablespoons tahini (sesame paste)
• 2  tablespoons plain yogurt (optional) or 2  tablespoons sour cream (optional)
• 3  tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1⁄2-1  teaspoon  shredded lemon zest (optional and if adding cut back on the lemon juice)
• 1  teaspoon cumin
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• Toppings To Taste

•  roma tomato, coarsely chopped
•  kalamata olive
•  sun-dried tomato, in olive oil (you can also drizzle oil over dip)
•  roasted garlic clove
•  feta cheese, crumbled
•  fresh cilantro or  parsley, chopped
•  green onion top, thin sliced
•  fresh basil, minced
•  light drizzle extra virgin olive oil or   oil from sun-dried tomato
•  paprika or   sumac
•  green  olive, Basil and Almond Tapenade (Green Olive, Basil and Almond Tapenade)
•  sun-dried tomato and kalamata olive  tapenade (Sun-Dried Tomato and Kalamata Olive Tapenade)

• On The Side

•  pita bread, warmed and cut into triangles

Directions

1. Place all hummus ingredients into a blender or food processor; blend until smooth. Add some reserved broth should you desire a thinner hummus.
2. Refrigerate for about 1 – 3 hours for flavors to blend.
3. Transfer mixture to a serving plate and spread hummus out evenly into a circle. Garnish with the above toppings according to your taste in the order listed. Sprinkle over all with paprika or sumac.
4. Serve with warmed pita triangles.