Recipe for Basic Hummus

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas (also called garbonzo beans)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/8 to 1/4 cup water
• 3 Tablespoons tahini (sesame paste)
• salt to taste

Directions:

Drain and rinse the chickpeas and reserve some of the chickpea liquid.  In a food processor or blender, blend the chickpeas and minced garlic.  Add the olive oil one tablespoon at a time, blending and scraping the sides between adding.  Add the tahini, lemon juice, water, and enough of the chickpea liquid until the mixture reaches a thick, smooth texture.  Add more water if desired.  Add salt to taste.  You may need to stop and start the blender several  times, scraping the sides and stirring the mixture while the blender is stopped.  Spoon the hummus into a bowl and serve with crackers, pita bread, chips, or sliced vegetables.  Enjoy!