Hummus (bi tahini)

Hey everyone!!!
Today i would like to share with u all the recipe of hummus. The first time i had it was in makkah, saudi arabia, and instantly developed a liking for it. My father, whom i lovingly call "abba" introduced it to me, he totally loves it.

Hummus is a dip/spread that is made from chickpeas. In fact, hummus is the Arabic word for chickpea, spanish word being garbanzo beans.

If u have eaten hummus at different places, u will notice that it tastes different at all places. Some make it with strong lemon flavour, some have a strong garlic flavour, whereas some have a spicy tone.

So, while making ur own hummus, keep in mind ur own tastebuds. For instance, use the ingredients as u like, The fun about Middle Eastern cooking is that the ingredient amounts aren't set in stone. Add a little of this and take away that and you still have a culinary masterpiece!

I would like to share the recipe which got a thumbs up from the women of my house, both my sisters in law loved it so much, they had it with bread and chapati. : )

Hummus (bi tahini) is hummus with sesame.

Recipe is as below

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ tbsp. tahini paste
2 cups chickpeas (boiled) canned ones will also do, make sure u rinse the chickpeas well
2 tbsp. lemon juice
salt to taste
1 tsp. red chili powder
¼ tsp. cumin powder
½ tsp. garlic paste
1 cup water
2 tbsp. olive

Method:

Tahini paste is normally sold, but its easier to make it at home too and very cost effective too. Just roast quarter cup of sesame on the tava or oven, do not let it turn brown, cool it and grind it with olive oil till u achieve a smooth paste.

Now put the boiled and peeled chickpeas ( know its a pain in the butt to peel it but believe me, the result will be a smooth hummus) in your grinder/processor (reserve a few for garnishing purposes), then add the rest of the ingredients. Grind everything together until it becomes a smooth paste. You can add sour milk or buttermilk or yoghurt in this if you want your hummus creamier! Taste and adjust flavors to suit your taste buds, some people prefer more tahini, or more lemon, or more garlic or chili. Add whatever you feel you like. 

To serve, pour the hummus in a plate .Presentation is important when it comes to hummus because it looks bland most of the time. Bland usually equals boring and you don't want the hummus to be passed up because it looks boring. Sprinkle red pepper flakes or paprika on top to add a little color. Drizzle olive oil on it. With the back of a spoon, smooth in a spiral manner. Garnish with boiled chickpeas. Presentation can be almost as important as the taste.

No matter how you eat it, hummus is a healthy snack and is certainly better for you than the old standby of salsa and tortilla chips.

Without the mention of my sweet hubby irfaan, any recipe is incomplete. He loves to have his hummus with toasted pita bread.