Hummus is a creamy puree of chickpeas and tahini (sesame seed paste) seasoned with lemon juice and garlic, and is a popular spread and dip in Greece and throughout the Middle East.

Ingredients

Cloves garlic—roughly chopped

¼ cup lemon juice

¼ cup water

14 oz (400g) canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans) - rinsed and drained

½ cup tahini

1 teaspoon sea salt

Method

1. Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender and process until smooth, scraping the sides occasionally.

Variations: If you like a spicier hummus, add a small red chilli (chopped) or a pinch of cayenne pepper, or try a little cumin for a more exotic variation.

Tip: Prepare extra quantities of hummus—it can be refrigerated, covered, for up to 1 week and frozen for up to 3 months.