Hummus is a very simple appetizer spread that has been growing in popularity throughout the Chicago area since the start of the rapid influx of Mediterranean and Middle-Easterners in the Albany Park neighborhood. Today, many restaurants around the city serve this dish as a healthy starter to their meals. Hummus is actually very easy to make. Here is a simple recipe for making basic hummus at home.

Ingredients:

• 3c cooked chick peas
• 1/4c water from boiling the chick peas
• Juice of 1/2 of a large lemon
• 1 1/2T tahini
• 2 cloves crushed garlic
• 1/2t sea salt
• 2T olive oil
• Paprika, fresh chopped parsley and olive oil for garnishing

Place the chick peas, water, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, salt, and oil in a food processor. Process the mixture until it forms a puree. Spread the puree across a large plate. Garnish with paprika, parsley and olive oil. Serve with warm pita bread.