Hummus (Hommous Bi Tahini)

• 15 oz. can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans), strained, or 1 cup dry chickpeas
• 1/5 c. (1.5 oz.) tahini (sesame seed paste)
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 - 1 tsp. salt
• 1 oz. lemon juice (about 1/2 of a med. sized lemon)
• 2-6 tbsp. olive oil (optional)
• a pinch or two of dried or fresh parsley fakes (optional)
• a few sprinkles of paprika (optional)
• 3-6 rounds of pita bread

If using dry chickpeas, soak beans and boil for 3 hours. If using a blender and canned chickpeas, boil them before blending.

Combine chickpeas, tahini, garlic, salt, and lemon juice in a food processor or blender. Process on high for 3 minutes or blend in pulses until smooth, adding water as needed. Spoon out into a large dinner plate and spread evenly. Chill. Optionally garnish with olive oil, parsley, and paprika.

Serve with Pita, warmed for a minute in an oven at 250 degrees.