Hummus #1

With all the focus on the Middle East, how about a dish or two from there? Here is the first of two variations of a popular one that can be used as a spread or dip.

  1. Combine the following in a blender and whiz until smooth:
    • 1 – 15 oz. can garbanzo beans, halfway drained of its juice
    • 3 Tbsp. lemon juice
    • 2 Tbsp. tahini
    • 3/4 tsp. garlic powder (granulated)
  2. Once the blender is on, you can remove the lid and carefully direct the mixture in from the sides with a rubber spatula. This ensures thorough, even blending.
  3. Once you are satisfied with the consistency, AFTER putting the lid back on the blender, turn off the machine.
  4. Pour into a serving dish & garnish with chopped parsley
  5. Serve.

Note: If you want a dressing consistency rather than a dip consistency, use all the liquid from the can of garbanzos instead of half.

—by Julianne Pickle, author of “100% Vegetarian,” the cookbook in which every ingredient is available at your local grocery store