Hummus: a protein-rich creamy dip

One of the best known Middle Eastern foods, hummus makes a nutritious and filling evening snack or appetizer. The smooth and creamy chickpea-based dip is high in protein, fibre, iron and has more than ten micro-nutrients.

Ingredients
140 gm chickpeas
90 gm tahina
4 gm garlic
7 gm salt
5 gm lemon salt
Parsley leaves
Lebanese olive oil
Paprika powder

Preparation
Soak 140 gm chickpeas overnight with ice cubes
The next day, wash them properly and then boil
Before the pieces are totally cooked, take some out for garnish
Put the rest of the chickpeas in a strainer, add ice on top and keep till completely cooled
Put them in a blender with 4 gm garlic and blend for some time
Add 90 gm tahina with 7 gm salt, 5 gm lemon salt and ice cubes
Blend till the texture is velvety
Keep in the chiller for some time
Place in a serving dish and garnish with paprika, parsley leaves, olive oil and chickpeas in the middle
Relish with warm pita bread or crudités!
(With inputs from Vijay Thapliyal- Executive Chef at The Lodhi Hotel Delhi)