Hummus bi Tahini

A traditional snack from the Middle East. It can be made as spicy as desired by adjusting the amount of red pepper.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) chick peas, cooked (reserve 1/2 of cooking water)
• lemon juice (from 1 - 2 lemons)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 6 oz (170 g) sesame paste (tahini)
1 - 2 tbsp olive oil
• cayenne pepper to taste
• 1 - 2 tsp mint, dried

Preparation:

Put garlic, salt and half the lemon juice into blender and blend briefly.

Blend a handful of chickpeas, add more at intervals. As the paste thickens add more lemon juice, olive oil and the reserved water.

When all chick peas have been reduced to a creamy texture add sesame paste, cayenne and mint and blend until uniform. Adjust flavours with cayenne, mint and lemon juice.

Spoon into a dish. Pour a little olive oil over top and sprinkle with pepper. Serve with pita bread as a snack or dip.