Hummus Bi Tahini

From the Vitality Food Feature ‘OPEN SESAME‘.

This renowned Middle Eastern dish has become a favorite of many people in Europe and North America. Research has established that this dish contains a high quality protein, as well as anti-oxidants which help prevent heart disease and cancer. In the Middle East, it is often used as a milk substitute for toddlers because it is less allergy-producing than soybeans — a commonly used alternative to milk. (It can be fed to toddlers with a spoon, similar to pabulum.) For adults, it is eaten as an appetizer accompanied by crackers, or scooped up with pita bread. Or it can even be used as a side dish to main entrees.

(Serves about 8)

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chickpeas
• 4 Tbsp tahini
• 4 Tbsp lemon juice
• 4 Tbsp water
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/8 tsp cumin
• pinch cayenne
• 2 Tbsp chopped parsley

1) Place all ingredients, except parsley, in food processor, and process into a smooth paste, adding a little more water if necessary. Spread on a platter, then decorate with parsley. Sprinkle with a little olive oil and serve.