Chickpea hummus

Serve this easy Mediterranean spread with warmed whole-wheat pita bread. For a more traditional version, replace the vinegar with lemon juice and the olive oil with tahini (sesame paste).

Serves 6
Ingredients

2/3 cup dried chickpeas (garbanzos), picked over and rinsed, soaked overnight, and drained
3 cups water
2 cloves garlic
1 bay leaf
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sliced green (spring) onion
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (fresh coriander)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Directions

In a large saucepan over high heat, combine the chickpeas, water, garlic cloves, bay leaf and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially and simmer until the beans are very tender, 50 to 60 minutes. Drain and discard the bay leaf, reserving the garlic and 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.

In a blender or food processor, combine the chickpeas, cooked garlic, olive oil, the 3/4 cup green onion, vinegar, cilantro, cumin and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Process to puree. Add the reserved cooking liquid, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture has the consistency of a thick spread.

In a small serving bowl, stir together the chickpea mixture and the remaining 2 tablespoons green onion. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

Hummus with Yogurt
1 15 oz can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans, drained (save liquid)
1-2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon tahini, or low fat peanut butter if you prefer (optional, but if you do not use, increase yogurt by 1 TBLS
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 teaspoon salt

Spinach and Feta Hummus
1 can garbanzo beans/chickpeas (15 oz), drained
1/2 cup fresh spinach
3 oz, crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons tahini
1/4 cups red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon roasted garlic