Smooth and Easy Hummus

I am having a blast learning to cook Mediterranean dishes.  So many great vegan options to explore!  This is a great recipe that even my carnivores enjoy!  The key is patience.  It doesn't take an enormous amount of time, but everything is processed for a longer period of time after each addition.  I serve it with veggies, since I don't eat bread or pitas and doubling this recipe it is the easiest thing in the world!

One 15-ounce can chickpeas/garbanzo beans
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
1/4 cup tahini
Half a large garlic clove, minced
2 Tbsp. olive oil, plus more for serving if desired
1/2 tsp to 1 tsp. kosher salt, depending on taste
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
2-3 Tbsp. water
Dash of ground paprika for serving (optional)

In the bowl of a food processor, combine tahini and lemon juice.  Process for 1 minute.  Scrape sides and bottom of bowl then turn on and process 30-60 more seconds.  This extra time helps "whip" or "cream" the tahini, making smooth and creamy hummus possible.

Add the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin and salt to the whipped tahini and lemon juice mixture.  Process for 30 seconds, scrape sides and bottom of bowl then process another 30 seconds.

Open can of chickpeas, drain liquid then rinse well with water.  Add half of the chickpeas to the processor and process for 1 minute.   Scrape sides and bottom of the bowl, add remaining chickpeas and process 1-2 minutes until thick and quite smooth.

This is where tasting the hummus and making a determination of your own preferences comes into play.  If you feel the hummus could be smoother, add water, 1 Tbsp. at a time, processing after each addition, until you get to the consistency you wish.  You may also add a little more salt if you feel it needs it.

It can be served warm or chilled.  It can be served with pita bread or fresh vegetables.  It can be served with 1 Tbsp. olive oil drizzled on top and some paprika sprinkled on that, or served without.  Hummus is the ultimate in versatile food!

Recipe adapted from www.inspiredtaste.net