Hummus recipe

Hummus Recipe with Sesame: A Chickpea Cream Delicacy

Hummus is more than just a simple appetizer; it is a true culinary treasure that combines simple ingredients to create a creamy and flavorful dish. Its origins are lost in the mists of time, but today, hummus is loved worldwide, symbolizing healthy and delicious eating. This sesame hummus recipe is simple, quick, and perfect for serving as both a snack and part of a sophisticated appetizer.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary Ingredients:

*For the hummus:*
- 500 g dried chickpeas
- 30 g sesame seeds (tahini)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or grape seed oil for a milder taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3-4 bay leaves

*For the optional parsley and ginger sauce:*
- ½ bunch of fresh parsley
- Juice of ½ lemon
- A piece of ginger (about the size of a walnut), minced
- 2 tablespoons of water

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the Chickpeas:
Start by soaking the chickpeas in a bowl of cold water, adding a tablespoon of baking soda. This step is essential as the baking soda helps soften the chickpeas, reducing cooking time. Let them soak for 8 hours or overnight.

2. Cooking the Chickpeas:
After the chickpeas have soaked, drain the water and rinse them under cold running water. Then, place them in a pot, add clean water, a teaspoon of baking soda, and the bay leaves. Boil the chickpeas for 30-40 minutes until they become soft. You can check their texture by pressing; they should crush easily between your fingers.

3. Preparing the Garlic and Sesame Sauce:
In a blender, add the sesame seeds, garlic, dried basil, a little water (or the cooking liquid from the chickpeas), and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Blend everything until you achieve a smooth paste. If blending with water, start with a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

4. Mixing the Hummus:
Once the chickpeas are cooked and slightly cooled, drain them and place them in the food processor. Add the prepared sesame paste and the remaining olive oil. Blend everything until you achieve a creamy texture. If the hummus is too thick, add a little water or chickpea liquid to adjust the consistency.

5. Preparing the Optional Parsley and Ginger Sauce:
In another bowl, add the chopped parsley, minced ginger, lemon juice, and the 2 tablespoons of water. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous sauce.

6. Serving:
Transfer the hummus to a bowl and smooth it out with a spatula. You can create a small well in the center of the hummus, where you can add the parsley and ginger sauce. Serve the hummus with slices of fresh whole-grain bread or pita, and don't forget to drizzle some olive oil on top for extra flavor!

Tips and Useful Advice:
- If you want a more aromatic hummus, you can also add spices like cumin or paprika. These not only enhance the flavor but also add a splash of color to the dish.
- Experiment with different types of oils. Grape seed oil offers a more neutral taste, while extra virgin olive oil brings a distinct note, but some people find it too strong for the hummus flavor.
- If you don't have dried chickpeas, you can use canned chickpeas. Make sure to rinse them well before use to remove excess sodium.

Delicious Combinations:
Hummus pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers. You can also try serving it alongside olives or a tomato and onion salad. A refreshing drink, like mint tea or mint lemonade, will perfectly complement the meal.

Nutritional Information:
Hummus is rich in protein and fiber due to the chickpeas, while sesame seeds provide an excellent source of calcium and healthy fats. A serving of hummus (about 100 g) contains approximately 250 calories, offering a nutritious option for a healthy snack.

I hope this sesame hummus recipe brings joy to your kitchen and provides you with a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dish! Enjoy every spoonful and don't forget to share with loved ones!

 Ingredients: For Hummus with sesame 500 g chickpeas 30 g sesame seeds garlic 1 teaspoon dried basil 3 tablespoons olive oil or grape seed oil (if you don't like the slightly bitter taste of olive oil) 1 teaspoon salt 3-4 bay leaves For the parsley and ginger sauce (optional) 1/2 bunch of parsley juice from 1/2 lemon a piece of ginger, about the size of a walnut, minced 2 tablespoons water