Hummus from Dried Chickpeas

Hummus from Dried Chickpeas

Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

• 1 lb dried garbanzo beans, soaked overnight
• 1 cup tahini
• 3/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 6 -8 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 -2 tablespoon salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)

Directions

• 1 Bring chickpeas to boiling then simmer about 1/2 hour until tender.
• 2 Drain chickpeas, reserving liquid. Let stand until cool enough to handle. (Using warm to hot chickpeas makes it possible to process a softer texture that will then stiffen to a nice, spreadable paste).
• 3 Process in blender or food processor in 2-3 batches according to the size/capability of your equipment. Use enough of the chickpea cooking liquid to get a texture like soft peanut butter.
• 4 Mix the batches together in a large bowl.
• 5 Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. (If you need more garlic return a half batch to the blender, process it smooth, and stir back into the rest).
• 6 Pack in freezer containers of an appropriate size for your household.
• 7 Tip -- This makes a nice hostess gift when attractively packaged.
• 8 Tip -- Tahini often separates in the can or jar. Rather than trying to mix it in the can then measure it just put the whole can/jar into the blender, whip it up, and pour back the excess.