The first time I had chick peas was in a falafel served on Syrian (Pita) bread. I thought I had died and gone to food heaven. This chickpea dip is not quite the same, but it is delicious, healthy and garlicky!

INGREDIENTS

1-15/16 Oz. can of chickpeas*
1 Heaping tblspn Tahini* (sesame paste)
2 or 3 Cloves garlic (roasted*)
1-1/2 to 2 Tspn freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 Tspn paprika
1 Tblspn olive oil
Salt to taste
Pita bread, warmed

DIRECTIONS

Open the garlic cloves smash and put into blender. Open chickpeas, drain liquid into cup and save 1/4 cup chick pea liquid. Do not rinse chickpeas. To blender add drained chick peas, salt, tahini, olive oil, paprika and lemon juice, then continue blending mix it is until creamy and smooth.

Place hummus mixture on plate and smooth into a small mound. Tear warm pita bread into 2 inch pieces and place around hummus. Drizzle extra olive oil over the hummus. Use pita bread to scoop hummus or place hummus on several pieces of pita bread and serve on small individual plates.

Hummus is excellent served as a dip for a raw vegetable platter of celery, zucchini, baby carrots and blanched broccoli and cauliflower. To blanch broccoli and cauliflower put into boiling water for 60 seconds, then remove from hot water immediately and plunge into ice cold water.

You can double this recipe and make Hummus Balls* by forming mix into 1½ inch balls and deep frying them until they are a light golden brown. Let cool on paper towels and spear with tooth picks. Dip in plain yogurt with a little lemon juice and dill added.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.


Hints & Tips
*Chickpeas are also called garbanzo beans or ceci (chi chi) beans. These little round legumes are a member of the pea family. Keep a can in the fridge and as a a snack. These beans have a nice nutty flavor.

*Tahini is made from crushed sesame seeds and is the consistency of peanut butter. It can be found in most supermarkets and may be labeled Sesame Paste or Sesame Butter. If Tahini is not available, smooth peanut butter may be used in its place.

*Roasted garlic can be purchased at the supermarket. You can make your own roasted garlic. (See related links).

*Hummus Balls are delicious in Pita bread. Stuff shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes in 1/2 round of Pita bread; add hummus balls and spoon the above yogurt over them. Spicy and delicious. These humus balls are good when served with bottled dressing also, try ranch or blue cheese dressing.

*Falafe is a fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas or fava beans. This is a Middle Eastern dish.