World Spice Merchants : Recipes : Classic Hummus

Hummus is one of those things best made fresh from scratch, and neither grocery store nor restaurant versions can compare. Try this easy classic style spiced with cumin, or substitute Harissa for some Moroccan flair.

Makes 4 cups.

1 cup garbanzo beans

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/2 cup tahini

3 tablespoons olive oil

2-3 teaspoons cumin seed

1-2 cloves garlic

Soak garbanzo beans overnight
Discard soaking water, and place in a pot and cover with water by about an inch.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
Simmer for 30-40 minutes until tender.
Strain and reserve cooking liquid.
Place all ingedients in a Cuisinart or high-speed blender.
Add just enough of the cooking liquid to get the mixture moving.
Process to desired consistency.

Garnish hummus with a sprinkle of sumac, Israeli Zahtar or Syrian Zahtar. Serve with crunchy veggies, olives and feta.