Israeli Style Hummus
A few months ago we were having dinner at this great Greek restaurant. To start they brought out some fresh baked bread and some unidentifiable tan dipping sauce. After one amazing bite I had to ask what the dip was and to my surprise I received a one ingredient answer, "Tahini!" Since that dinner we've been on a bit of a Tahini kick putting it in anything we can. Tahini is a crucial part of hummus so it should come as no surprise that our hummus recipe goes heavy on the Tahini in true Israeli fashion.
This does require some preparation ahead of time as you need to use dried chickpeas and soak them in water overnight. Trust us, the extra step is worth it! When you are ready to make the hummus you'll need to boil the chickpeas for at least an hour to get them nice and mushy. Feel free to garnish with olive oil, paprika, parsley, or anything else your heart desires!
This hummus is creamy and delicious so fire up some pita, cut up some veggies, and break out the pretzel crisps because you'll want to dip into this stuff over and over again!
Ingredients
1 Cup Dried Chickpeas/garbanzo beans
2/3 Cup Tahini
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
5 cloves peeled fresh garlic
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cumin
pinch of chili powder
2 tbsp ice water
Optional for Garnish - olive oil, paprika, parsley
Instructions:
1. Soak chickpeas in water with 1 tsp of baking soda overnight. Make sure water covers the top by few inches.
2. Bring soaked chickpeas to a boil with the other tsp of baking soda. When water is boiling reduce heat to medium and cook for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. Chickpeas should be mushy.
3. Before chickpeas are done cooking blend garlic, lemon juice and salt together in a food processor.
4. Add the tahini to the food processor. While motor is running add in a tbsp or two of ice water to smooth out the mixture.
5. When chickpeas are done drain and then add to food processor. Add cumin and chili powder and then pulse on high for a couple minutes until mixture is perfectly smooth. Taste and add additional spices if desired. Garnish and enjoy!
