At Anoush Catering, we offer a delectable selection of uniquely prepared
appetizers that encompass a wide range of Mediterranean influences. While our recipes are proprietary and may vary in preparation methods and ingredients, we would like to recommend similar recipes that you can prepare at home for your next dinner party or gathering.
This month’s featured recipe is Hummus Bi Tahini and is sure to satisfy your guests’ palate. Enjoy!
HUMMUS BI TAHINI
Chick Pea and Sesame Puree
Makes 3 cups
Cooking time: 3 hours
Needed ingredients:
1 cup chick peas
3 cups water
1/3 cup tahini
½ cup lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, crushed
salt
For serving:
chopped parsley
1 tablespoon olive oil
paprika or cayenne pepper
1. Wash chick peas well, cover with the water and soak for 12 hours or overnight.
2. Put on to boil in the water in which they were soaked. Boil gently for 2 hours, add 1 teaspoon salt and cook until very tender --- about 3 hours in all. Drain and reserve some of the cooking liquid and 1 tablespoon of the peas.
3. Press peas through a sieve or food mill, adding about 2 tablespoons of the cooking liquid to separate the last of the peas form the skins.
4. Slowly blend the tahini and most of the lemon juice into the puree.
5. Crush garlic with ½ teaspoon salt in a mortar and add to puree. Adjust flavour and consistency with lemon juice or cooking liquid and add salt if necessary. Hummus should be thick and smooth.
6. Spread in a shallow serving dish, swirling it with back of a spoon. Pour olive oil in centre and garnish with reserved chick peas, chopped parsley and a sprinkling of paprika or cayenne pepper.
Blender or food processor method: Puree peas to separate skins, add to container or processor bowl with remaining ingredients, holding back some lemon juice and salt to adjust flavour. Blend or process until thick and smooth.
Note: Even if using a modern appliance the chick peas must be separated from their skins for a successful hummus. Preparation time can be shortened by removing the skins either after the initial soaking, or after boiling. 
