Middle Eastern cuisine encompasses a range of flavors and dishes, influenced by the various cultures and histories that have intersected in this region over millennia. Common ingredients include olives and olive oil, pitas, honey, sesame seeds, dates, sumac, chickpeas, mint, and parsley.
HUMMUS
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cups canned chickpeas)
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- Paprika and fresh parsley (for garnish)