Garlicky Hummus

Hint: Garlic is much easier to peel with the side of your chef's knife. Just put a clove under the side of the knife, and give the knife blade a sharp whack! with the heel of your hand. Then the paper will pull free of the garlic clove more easily.

3 15.5 oz cans garbanzo beans, drained
3 tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste)
6 cloves peeled garlic
3 teaspoons cumin
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/3 cup lemon or lime juice
1 cup olive oil
1/4 cup water
A few shakes of Tabasco
pinch of salt, only if needed

(This will keep for a week or two in the refrigerator, so make a bunch.)

I like my hummus garlicky with a nice citrus bite.  Make yours the way you like it.  Just put all the ingredients in your food processor and blend until smooth  (A blender won't work too well unless you use more liquid.)  

Hint: Get to know Trader Joe's. If you have one of these discount gourmet food stores near you, consider yourself blessed. They have mini pitas—perfect for dipping—at a fabulous price.

Garnish your hummus with some fresh oregano leaves.  Serve it in a bowl on a platter surrounded by pita bread.

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