Classic Hummus

Hummus is something that most people know how to make, but I got a request from my son for the recipe and from several other people too after I had a dinner party a while back. So, here's my very simple recipe. I usually use canned Chickpeas because I always forget to soak the dried ones and then take the time to cook them. But if you have time, the Hummus is even more delicious. This is a very fast way to make a tasty appetizer as it is all done in a  or other food processor and takes about a total of 10 minutes. If you don't have a food processor, you can use a blender and failing that, you can mash up the canned chickpeas by hand and still achieve a good texture, although it will be a lot chunkier. I like to add both Cumin and Cayenne Pepper to my Hummus, but if you don't like the hint of spiciness, you can substitute Paprika instead as the garnish. I love this recipe that I have developed after many years of trial and error.  I hope you love it too.

Classic Hummus

2 15 oz cans of Chickpeas drained (but reserve all the liquid)

½ cup Tahini (Sesame Paste)

1/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons ground Cumin

1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

Juice of one large lemon or more if desired

1 teaspoon or more of Salt

For Serving:

2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper or Paprika

1/8 teaspoon Ground Cumin

Optional:  Chopped Fresh Parsley

Put the Chickpeas, Tahini, Olive Oil, Garlic, Cumin, Cayenne Pepper, 1 teaspoon of salt and lemon juice in a food processor or blender.  Blend until smooth. Then start adding Chickpea liquid until you achieve a smooth consistency (I tend to use all of it) that is as thick or thin as you like.  Taste and adjust for salt and lemon.  Pour into a bowl and drizzle with remaining olive oil and sprinkle with the extra Cumin and Cayenne.  Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Serve with Pita Bread, Pita Chips, Carrot Sticks and Red Pepper strips.

Five Element Analysis

Chickpeas, being beans belong to the Water Element and the Tahini made of Sesame Seeds enhances this element.  The Olive Oil and Lemon contribute the Wood Element and there is even more Wood if you serve this with Pita Bread or Chips. The Garlic and Cumin bring in the Metal Element.  The Cayenne adds just a bit of the Fire Element.  Hummus is usually served as an appetizer so if you would like create balance, be sure to add a Fiery food, perhaps some cut up red peppers and also the Earth Element, which could be supplied by serving it with some carrot sticks.