Hummus is the Arabic word for chickpeas and is a popular Middle-Eastern dip.  The added orange juice, garlic, ginger, spices and home-made Tahini, makes this Hummus recipe extra special.

 Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained  (OR 1 cup cooked chickpeas)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
• 2 Tbsp onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp grated fresh ginger, minced
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 2 Tbsp tahini (sesame seed paste*)
• 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Spices: ¼ tsp each of salt; black pepper; ground coriander; ground turmeric;
• ground cumin; and paprika.
• ¼ cup olive oil

Method

 Combine all the ingredients in a blender.

Slowly add the olive oil to the mixture to form a smooth paste.

Serve at room temperature, with pita bread triangles or Tortilla chips or fresh crusty bread or as a healthy dip with vegetable crudités.

TIP

Tahini or sesame seed paste can be bought from most supermarkets or delis, but it is also easy to make.

 

Tahini

Ingredients

1 cup sesame seeds

1/4 cup sunflower oil

Method

1. Toast a cup of sesame seeds in a frying pan. (Watch it constantly and be careful not to burn.)

2. Add ¼ cup vegetable oil.

3. Blend to a fine paste and chill for about an hour before serving

TIP

This can be kept in a sterilised glass jar in the fridge until needed.