Hummus

Hummus is an Arabian dish, usually used as a dip, with pita bread. There are many varieties available. Check the recipe of beetroot hummus here.

Ingredients for Hummus:

1. White chickpeas – 1.5 cups

2. Salt – ½ small spoon

    Garlic – 2 cloves

3. Tahini (sesame paste) – ½ cup

    Lemon juice – ½ cup

4. Olive oil and parsley – To decorate

How to prepare Hummus?

1. Soak chickpeas in water overnight.

2. Strain complete water from the chickpeas the next morning.

3. Fill the container with water. The water level should be 1 inch above the chickpeas.

4. Using your hands, smash the chickpeas.

5. Add a pinch of salt to the chickpeas and boil the contents.

6. When foam forms on the surface of boiling water, remove it and reduce the flame.

7. Cook chickpeas for 1 hour.

8. Blend garlic and salt in a mixer. Never make a paste.

9. Add sesame paste and lemon juice, and blend again. The mixture will be thick and white in colour.

10. Strain chickpeas only from water and grind separately to a smooth paste.

11. Add sufficient water (used for cooking chickpeas), and loosen the chickpea paste a little bit.

12. Mix everything together and check the salt. If needed more, add at this stage.

13. Spread hummus on a plate and pour olive oil on top.

14. Decorate with parsley leaves and cumin. Sprinkle both on top of hummus.

15. Serve hummus with pita bread, pickles, mint leaves and hot tea.

16. You can also sprinkle a handful of chopped parsley leaves, and sauteed chopped meat, adding cinnamon or chopped onions.

Courtesy: Vanitha Magazine September 1-14, 2010