Basic Houmous

Ingredients –

Serves 6 – 8 as a starter

• 2 x 400g cans of chickpeas ( reserve the liquid and a few chickpeas for decoration)
• 4 tsp tahini
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tsp crushed sea salt
• 6 tbsp quality extra virgin olive oil (plus etra for drizzling)
• 3 1/2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Paprika (optional)
• Coriander or parsley leaves (optional)

Rinse the chickpeas in cold water and tip into a food processor. Add the tahini, crushe garlic, salf lemon juice and seven tablespoons of the reserved liquid from the cans. Turn on the food processor and slowly pour in the oil while it runs.

When mixture is fully combined and smooth, tip into a serving dish. Drizzle with some more extra virgin oil and decorate with a few whole chickpeas. Sprinkle with pakrika and finely chopped coriander or parsley leaves for colour.