Mediterranean hummus dip

The key to achieving a creamy, yogurt like consistency with this dish is to add liquid slowly while blending.Makes about 4 cups (32oz).

Ingredients

  • 2 cans, 15oz garbanzo beans or chick peas, liquid reserved
  • ⅓ cup sesame tahini
  • ¼ cup lemon juice, or about 2 lemons
  • 3 cloves garlic (optional: roasted)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp granulated onion
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground black cardamom
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp ground oregano
  • 1 tsp ground thyme

Instructions

Strain garbanzo beans into a bowl, reserving the liquid.Combine tahini, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic in a food processor equipped with a metal blade. Blend the tahini with the other ingredients until a dry paste forms, being careful not to overwork.Add the beans with 1 cup of the canning liquid, blending 1 minute on high speed, or until smooth. If the mixture is dry or thick, add canning liquid in small increments to achieve desired consistency, being careful not to thin the mixture too much. Add remaining spices and blend until combined. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 1 week.

Chicken kebabs

Makes 10 skewers.

Ingredients

CHICKEN KEBABS

  • 3 chicken fillets, cut in 1-inch cubes
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 green bell pepper
  • 1 yellow bell pepper
  • 1 red onion, quartered
  • 1 flat Baby Bella mushroom

CHICKEN KEBAB MARINADE

  • 1⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil,
  • Juice of 2 lemon,
  • 6 clove of garlic, chopped
  • 4 tsp paprika
  • 4 tsp thyme
  • 6 tsp oregano
  • 6 tsp salt
  • 4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Combine marinade ingredients and divide between two ziplock bags. Add chicken to one bag, and vegetables to the other. Marinate at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.Arrange vegetables and chicken on skewers, and grill over medium flame, about 425°F, for about 20 minutes, turning twice.