Hummus

Ingredients:

• 1 15 oz can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup water
• 3 table spoons tahini (sesame paste)
• 1 clove garlic, pressed
• Juice of 1 lemon (2-3 table spoons)
• 1/2 -1 teaspoon cumin (optional)
• salt to taste

Garnish:

• 2 table spoons olive oil
• 1-2 tablespoon pine nuts
• 1/4 tea spoon chili flakes or paprika (optional)
• ½ teaspoon cumin (optional)

Directions:

In a food processor, combine all ingredients except those for garnishing. Process until the mixture is smooth. If it looks thick and difficult to blend, add a little more water or olive oil. Taste and adjust salt, cumin or lemon juice to your taste. Transfer to a serving plate. Drizzle olive oil over the hummus. Sprinkle with cumin and/or pepper flakes, then pine nuts. Serve at room temperature with pita bread wedges or crackers.

Variations:

• Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: Add a jar of drained roasted red peppers to the processor.
• Green Goddess Hummus:  Add 1/2 cup spinach and 1/4 cup chopped parsley to the processor.

Afiyet Olsun! Bon Appetit!