Mediterranean Spread A Feast with Friends

Hummus:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked chickpeas
• 1/2 cup tahini
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt, to taste
• Parsley, for garnish
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, and a pinch of salt.
2. Process the mixture until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. If necessary, add water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired texture is reached.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
4. Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
5. Serve with warm pita bread and vegetable crudites.

Baba Ghanoush:

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplants
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Prick the eggplants with a fork in several places. Grill the eggplants, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred and the eggplant flesh becomes soft. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Remove the eggplants from the grill and let them cool slightly. Peel off the charred skin and discard it.
4. Place the eggplant flesh in a colander and allow any excess liquid to drain.
5. In a food processor, combine the eggplant flesh, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
6. Process the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency. Adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
7. Transfer the baba ghanoush to a serving bowl, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and garnish with fresh parsley.
8. Serve with warm pita bread and enjoy!

Fried Pita Chips:

Ingredients:

• Pita bread
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Salt, to taste
• Ground cumin, for optional seasoning

Instructions:

1. Cut the pita bread into triangle-shaped chips.