Hummus

                 A nutritious and yummy dip which is very popular in the Middle East. Also known as 'Hummus bi thahini', it is made with cooked and mashed chick peas and sesame paste. It is high in iron and vitamin C and has significant amounts of folate and Vitamin B6. Chick peas make it a good source of protein and dietary fiber. As an appetizer and dip, hummus is scooped with flatbread such as pita. It is also served as an accompaniment to falafel, grilled chicken, fish or egg plant.

Hummus Recipe

Things you need:

Chick peas                   -    1 1/2 cup

Salt                              -    1/2 tsp

Garlic                           -    2 cloves

Twahina (sesame paste) - 1/2 cup

Lemon juice                  -   3 tbsp

Olive oil and parsely      - for garnishing

Method:

• Soak the chick peas overnight. The next day, drain it and rub well with your hands.Take a sauce pan and add the chick peas and water upto an inch above its level and boil adding a pinch of salt.Remove the froth which forms on the surface. Now pressurecook it in low flame until the chickpeas are well cooked and soft.
• Mean while blend the garlic and salt in a blender and add 'tahina' and lemon juice to it. Blend well until it forms a fine off white paste.
• Now drain the cooked chick peas saving the juice. Add the chick peas to the blender with the tahina paste and blend well until fine. Add the saved juice as needed to adjust the consistency.
• Adjust the salt and transfer it to a shallow bowl. Garnish with olive oil and parsely leaves or mint leaves. Serve with pita bread or grilled chicken.