Hummus from Scratch

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Dried chickpeas - 1 cup
2. Tahini (ground sesame paste) - 1/3 cup
3. Lemon juice - 2-3 tablespoons
4. Garlic - 3-4 cloves
5. Salt - 1 teaspoon
6. Olive oil - 2 tablespoons (for cooking and serving)
7. Water - As needed for cooking the chickpeas

Preparation Time:

Total time: Approximately 2 hours (includes soaking and cooking chickpeas, and preparing the hummus)

Cooking Time:

About 1 hour (excluding soaking time for chickpeas)

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Soak the chickpeas in water for at least 6-8 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
3. In a pot, boil the chickpeas with enough water and a little salt until cooked through. This may take about an hour.
4. Once cooked, drain the chickpeas and transfer them to a blender or food processor.
5. Add tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil to the blender and blend until smooth.
6. Add water if needed to achieve a smoother consistency.
7. Season with salt and taste to adjust flavors.
8. Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil before serving.

Nutritional Information: (Please note that these are estimated values and may vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients used.)

• Calories: Approx. 250 calories per serving (assuming a small serving size of about 1/4 cup)
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 5g (Based on the ingredients provided)

Dish Characteristics:

• Smooth and creamy texture with a rich flavor profile.
• Pronounced sesame and lemon flavors with a hint of garlic.
• A traditional Middle Eastern dish that pairs well with pita bread or veggies for dipping.

User Comments:

1. "This hummus was amazing! The perfect balance of flavors."
2. "Love how creamy and flavorful this homemade hummus is."
3. "Great recipe for a classic Middle Eastern dish."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Soaking the chickpeas is crucial for proper cooking and texture of the hummus. Make sure to soak them for a sufficient amount of time.
• Adjust the lemon juice and tahini according to your preference for a more tangy or richer flavor profile.
• Adding water while blending is essential to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Start with less water and add more if needed.