Lemony Chickpea Puree

Directions

1. 1
   Drain and rinse chickpeas and put them into a saucepan.
2. 2
   Cover with cold water by 2 inches.
3. 3
   Add salt and pepper, to taste, smashed garlic cloves and the bay leaves and bring to a boil.
4. 4
   Reduce heat and simmer beans until tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
5. 5
   Drain, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
6. 6
   Remove the bay leaves and discard.
7. 7
   Put cooked chickpeas into a food processor or blender.
8. 8
   Add the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, whole garlic, and salt and pepper, to taste.
9. 9
   Process until smooth; add some of the reserved cooking liquid to thin if, needed.
10. 10
    Serve as a base to grilled marinated lamb or put into a serving dish and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and the parsley.