Mediterranean Hummus Appetizer

• Hummus
• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained (simmered for about 5 minutes if desired)
• 2 -4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup olive oil (can sub part with juice from chickpeas)
• 3 tablespoons tahini (sesame paste)
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (optional) or 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional)
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 - 1 teaspoon shredded lemon zest (optional and if adding cut back on the lemon juice)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Toppings To Taste
• roma tomato, coarsely chopped
• kalamata olive
• sun-dried tomato, in olive oil (you can also drizzle oil over dip)
• roasted garlic clove
• feta cheese, crumbled
• fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
• green onion top, thin sliced
• fresh basil, minced
• light drizzle extra virgin olive oil or oil from sun-dried tomato
• paprika or sumac
• green olive, Basil and Almond Tapenade (Green Olive, Basil and Almond Tapenade)
• sun-dried tomato and kalamata olive tapenade (Sun-Dried Tomato and Kalamata Olive Tapenade)
• On The Side
• pita bread, warmed and cut into triangles

1. Place all hummus ingredients into a blender or food processor; blend until smooth. Add some reserved broth should you desire a thinner hummus.
2. Refrigerate for about 1 - 3 hours for flavors to blend.
3. Transfer mixture to a serving plate and spread hummus out evenly into a circle. Garnish with the above toppings according to your taste in the order listed. Sprinkle over all with paprika or sumac.
4. Serve with warmed pita triangles.

chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, cumin, salt, cayenne pepper, toppings, roma tomato, olive, tomato, garlic, feta cheese, fresh cilantro, green onion, fresh basil, light drizzle, paprika, green olive, tomato, pita bread

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/mediterranean-hummus-appetizer-455488 (may not work)