When I tasted Middle Eastern Cusine for the first time, hummus was added to my favourites list by default. It's a dip made with Chickpeas and sesame paste also known as Tahini. This food is the heart of Middle Eastern Cusine. Since it is one of my favourite, it was about time I learn and master the art of cooking this famous dish. And guess what? I actually got it right! Find the recipe below.
Tahini.
Tahini is nothing but a sesame paste which forms as a base for any dip in the middle eastern cusine. It should be easily available in any hypermarket else just follow the recipe below.
Dry roast a cup of white sesame seeds to golden brown in a pan. Allow it cool to room temperature and coarsely grind it to a powder. Mix it well and add a cup of olive oil and grind it again until you get a smooth flowing consistency. Your Tahini is ready.
Hummus
Ingredients
• Boiled chickpeas one cup (soaked and boiled with a pinch of baking soda)
• Olive oil ½ cup
• Tahini 2 tablespoon
• Lime juice ¼ cup
• Cumin Powder 1 tsp.
• One garlic clove.
• Salt as needed
• Lastly, chilled water ½ cup
Method
• Chickpeas should be soaked overnight and cooked well enough to be mashed. Pressure cook it with a teaspoon of baking soda.
• To a mixer grinder add one cup of boiled and cooked chickpeas.
• Add a garlic cloves, Cumin Powder, Tahini, lime juice, salt, olive oil and chilled water and grind it.
• Intermittently, stop and mix the ingredients with a ladle and grind again until you get a fine smooth hummus. Ensure not to add anything more and add chilled water only if you need.
• Taste and check if you would like to add more salt, lime juice or more olive oil as per your taste.
• Transfer it to a bowl. Grease the back of the spoon to smoothen the surface of the hummus and make a small well and add a dash of olive oil.
• Sprinkle red chilli powder and add a few boiled chickpeas for garnishing.
• Your hummus is ready.
Note
• Use chilled water only as this helps to maintain the temperature of the hummus and makes it more creamy. Chilled water also increases the shelf life of the hummus.
• You may increase the quantity of lime juice and olive oil as per your taste.