Mediterranean Hummus Appetizer

Total Time: 25 mins Preparation Time: 25 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained (simmered for about 5 minutes if desired)
• 2 -4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4-1/2 cup olive oil (can sub part with juice from chickpeas)
• 3 tablespoons tahini (sesame paste)
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (optional) or 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional)
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2-1 teaspoon shredded lemon zest (optional and if adding cut back on the lemon juice)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• roma tomato, coarsely chopped
• kalamata olive
• sun-dried tomato, in olive oil (you can also drizzle oil over dip)
• roasted garlic clove
• feta cheese, crumbled
• fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
• green onion top, thin sliced
• fresh basil, minced
• light drizzle extra virgin olive oil or oil from sun-dried tomato
• paprika or sumac
• pita bread, warmed and cut into triangles

Recipe

• 1 place all hummus ingredients into a blender or food processor; blend until smooth. add some reserved broth should you desire a thinner hummus.
• 2 refrigerate for about 1 – 3 hours for flavors to blend.
• 3 transfer mixture to a serving plate and spread hummus out evenly into a circle. garnish with the above toppings according to your taste in the order listed. sprinkle over all with paprika or sumac.
• 4 serve with warmed pita triangles.