Lebanese hummus

Lebanese hummus is a delicious and classic Middle Eastern dish made from chickpeas (garbanzo beans), tahini (sesame seed paste), lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Here's a basic recipe for you to make authentic Lebanese hummus at home:

Ingredients:

- 2 cups cooked chickpeas (canned or cooked from dried).

- 1/3 cup tahini.

- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (adjust to taste).

- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced.

- Salt, to taste.

- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional).

- 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.

- Paprika, for garnish.

- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish.

- Warm water (as needed for desired consistency).

Instructions:

1. Prepare Chickpeas:

   - If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them thoroughly.

   - If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight, then cook until tender. Drain and cool.

2. Blend Chickpeas:

   - In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and cumin (if using).

   - Process the mixture until it's well combined and starts to form a smooth paste. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a few tablespoons of warm water to help with blending.

3. Adjust Consistency:

   - While the food processor is running, drizzle in olive oil gradually until the hummus reaches a creamy and smooth consistency. You can add more warm water if needed to achieve your desired thickness.

4. Taste and Adjust:

   - Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning by adding more lemon juice, salt, or garlic to your preference.

5. Serve:

   - Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl.

   - Create a shallow well in the center of the hummus with the back of a spoon.

   - Drizzle a little extra olive oil into the well and sprinkle paprika and chopped parsley over the top for garnish.

6. Serve with: 

   - Hummus is traditionally served with pita bread, pita chips, or fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips.

7. Storage:

   - Store any leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for several days.

Enjoy your homemade Lebanese hummus as a flavorful and nutritious appetizer, snack, or even as a spread in sandwiches or wraps. Experiment with the ingredients to achieve the taste that you prefer. Bon appétit!