Hummus

Hummus, a Middle Eastern dip is gaining popularity. Served along with fresh or toasted pita bread it is perfect for parties and entertaining as a tasty snack or appetizer.

Extremely healthy, it takes less than five minutes to make in a food processor involving ingredients that are usually tucked away in your pantry, and beats the store bought variety by leaps and bounds. Tahini or sesame paste is the only unusual ingredient, and cannot be substituted. A vital ingredient tahini gives hummus its distinct flavour, it can usually be found at your local supermarket, and a jar will really stretch, since a batch of hummus requires only a spoon of tahini. Tahini is an extremely thick suspension of oil and paste, ensure you mix it thoroughly before spooning out the desired amount.

Ingredients: 400 g drained canned chickpeas, 1 tbsp tahini, 1 clove garlic, 1 tsp Lemon juice, 1-2 cups olive oil, pinch of salt

Method: Put all ingredients apart from olive oil in food processor, and half of the olive oil and blend on high until it begins to form a smooth paste. Remove lid, add in the rest of the olive oil and continue to blend until it is completely smooth. You may have to add more olive oil if the mixture is thick and unable to blend completely.

Garnish with parsley and paprika if you desire.