"I love hummus and this recipe is one of the best I've tried. I like to spread it on pita triangles and top with cucumber, chopped kalamata olives, and feta. I think the homemade tahini paste makes it much better."
In a food processor, puree the chickpees, tahini, 3 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice and garlic until smooth, adding a little of the reserved liquid if the mixture seems too thick; It will be slightly grainy.
Season with salt and pepper.
Transfer to a shallow bowl or plate.
Combine the paprika and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, drizzle the mixture over the top, and garnish with chipped parsley, if desired.
Serve with pita bread triangles (I like "Recipe #179799" with parmesan cheese), cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped kalamata olives. Chopped sun-dried tomatoes are a good addition also.
*HOMEMADE TAHINI PASTE:
4 tablespoons sesame seeds.
1 teaspoon sesame oil.
1/2 teaspoon salt.
1/2 cup tepid water.
Blend sesame seeds in a blender and grind until smooth.
Add sesame oil, salt, and then slowly add 1/4 cup of water while blending.