Hummus

Directions

1. 1
   Soak the chickpeas in cool clean water (about 4 cups) overnight.
2. 2
   Drain and rinse the chickpeas and put them in a medium saucepan filled with 4 cups clean water.
3. 3
   Add the baking soda and heat to boiling.
4. 4
   Turn down the heat and gently simmer the chickpeas until very tender.
5. 5
   Remove from the heat and drain reserving the cooking liquid.
6. 6
   Once cooled, remove the loose skins from the chickpeas.
7. 7
   In a food processor, blend the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin and salt until smooth.
8. 8
   Set aside a handful of chickpeas and add the rest to the food processor.
9. 9
   Process until completely smooth.
10. 10
    Add a little cooking liquid to thin the hummus if necessary.
11. 11
    Check the seasonings adding lemon juice or salt if needed.
12. 12
    Top with a drizzle of good quality olive oil and the reserved chickpeas.
13. 13
    Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
14. 14
    Add a dash of paprika and serve with chips, pita wedges or vegetables.
15. 15
    Recipe adapted from David Lebovitz.