Hummus

Hummus is one of the more popular Middle Eastern dips. Served with fresh or toasted pita bread, hummus makes for a great snack or appetizer. Tahini is an important part of the hummus recipe and cannot be substituted. However, it can be omitted.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 16 oz can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans
• 1/4 cup liquid from can of chickpeas
• 3-5 tablespoons lemon juice (depending on taste)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparation:

Drain chickpeas and set aside liquid from can. Combine remaining ingredients in blender or food processor. Add 1/4 cup of liquid from chickpeas. Blend for 3-5 minutes on low until thoroughly mixed and smooth.

Place in serving bowl, and create a shallow well in the center of the hummus.

Add a small amount (1-2 tablespoons) of olive oil in the well. Garnish with parsley (optional).

Serve immediately with fresh, warm or toasted

Baba Ganoush

Baba ganoush (sometimes spelled baba ghanoush), a Middle Eastern spread and dip is similar to hummus, but is made with eggplant instead of chickpeas (garbanzo beans). This vegetarian and vegan recipe is particularly hummus-like, since it uses some chickpeas for a thicker texture. Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 3 tbsp tahini
• dash sea salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (optional)

Preparation:

Slice eggplant in half, and roast in 400 degree oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until soft.

Allow to cool slightly, then scoop out inside of eggplant, leaving skin behind.

In a blender or food processor, combine eggplant and remaining ingredients, except oil and parsley, until smooth. Mixture will be somewhat thick. Slowly incorporate olive oil until well mixed. Mix in chopped parsley by hand. Serves eight.

Enjoy with veggies, pita, or as a sandwich spread. I like to spread some baba ghanoush in a flour tortilla and add lettuce, tomatoes and veggies for a sandwich wrap.

Nutrition Facts:
One serving provides approximately:
Calories: 304, Calories from Fat: 118
Total Fat: 13.1g, 20%, Saturated Fat: 1.7g, 8%
Cholesterol: 0mg, 0%
Sodium: 58mg, 2%
Total Carbohydrates: 37.8g, 13%
Dietary Fiber: 11.8g, 47%
Sugars: 7.3g
Protein: 11.9g
Vitamin A 3%, Vitamin C 14%, Calcium 9%, Iron 23%, Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Shish Tawook marinated chicken...Yummy!

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