Hummus

Here's a great easy recipe for hummus (or hommos) & pita which, if you have a food processor, takes 5 minutes and is a great appetizer. Especially when guests drop in unexpectedly or for potlucks.

 Enjoy!

 HUMMUS

 1-3 Tbsp. olive oil
whole cloves of garlic (to taste)
1-2 cans chick peas* drained (or if you're a purist, 1-3 cups dried chick peas that have been soaked and cooked)
1 onion, cut up
juice of 1-2 lemons, plus a couple of rind scrapings
cayenne pepper
salt to taste

 Process all ingredients in food processor for a minute or two till smooth. Add a little cold water (2-4 Tbsp) if necessary.

 Then add a glob (1-3 Tbsp) or two of tahini (sesame butter - available in health food stores or many supermarkets)

 and continue to process till smooth again. Spoon into a serving bowl and sprinkle with paprika. Or pour a thin layer of olive oil over the top. Garnish with sprigs of fresh parsley.

 VARIATIONS

 During spring and summer I like to add a handful of watercress or basil or cilantro leaves - whatever strong-tasting green is in season. You can also use chard, parsley, possibly beet greens - whatever you can think of, probably.

 During cold & flu season, use this hummus recipe for a garlic, cayenne and lemon juice delivery system by doubling or tripling the amounts of those ingredients that you usually use. Poof! The cold goes away.

 * For parties, use 2 cans chick peas and increase quantities of other ingredients too. Party guests really love this, it seems the more garlic and (up to a point) cayenne, the more they like it.

 Serve with warmed (or baked in the oven till crispy) wedges of pitas.