Basic hummus

Serves: 6

If they like it, it serves 6 otherwise

Cooking time: 40 minutes

Totaltime: 1 hour 40 minutes

The use of store bought canned chickpeas speeds up the process with good results.
Hummus Recipe Variations• Spice it. 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin and/or coriander adds an extra layer of flavor.• Roasted red peppers. Blend in 1 roasted red pepper and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.• Mix in pesto. Add spoonfuls of pesto, to taste, to make an extra-lemony dip.• Green. Blend in 1/2 cup fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil, or 1 cup cooked spinach.

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups dried chickpea
1 teaspoon baking soda
6 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup tahini (light roast)
4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, crushed
6 tablespoons ice cold water or thick yogurt
Salt
Good quality olive oil, to serve (optional)

Preparation

The night before, put the chickpeas in a large bowl and cover them with cold water at least twice their volume. Leave to soak overnight or up to 2 days
The next day, drain the chickpeas. Place a medium saucepan over high heat and add the drained chickpeas and baking soda. Cook for about three minutes, stirring constantly. Add the water and bring to a boil. Cook, skimming off any foam and any skins that float to the surface. The chickpeas will need to cook for 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the type and freshness, sometimes even longer. Once done, they should be very tender, breaking up easily when pressed between your thumb and finger, almost but not quite mushy.
Drain the chickpeas. You should have roughly 3 2/3 cups now. Place the chickpeas in a food processor and process until you get a stiff paste. Then, with the machine sill running, add the tahini paste, lemon juice, garlic, and salt to taste.
Finally, slowly drizzle in the ice water and allow it to mix for about five minutes, until you get a very smooth and creamy paste.

Transfer the hummus to a bowl, cover the surface with plastic wrap, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. If not using straightaway, refrigerate until needed. Make sure to take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving.
This hummus will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days.