Garbanzo or chickpea dip is known as hummus, a Middle Eastern food that is eaten with pita bread and is rich in iron, vitamin B6,  and fiber. The proteins of the garbanzo beans and sesame seeds complement each other, making it a very nutritious food.

Ingredients for Garbanzo Dip (Hummus)

• 2 cups cooked garbanzos/chick peas (reserve liquid)
• 1/3 cup sesame tahini (sesame seed paste)
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tsp salt
• 2-3 T lemon or lime juice
• 1/4 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1/3 cup black olives, chopped (optional) or
• 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil (optional)
• 2 T olive oil (optional)

Blend or process garbanzos, sesame tahini, garlic, salt, lemon or lime juice, and seasonings until smooth, using some of the reserved liquid from the garbanzo beans if thinning is required. You want a paste that is thick and smooth, not runny.

For variety, try adding either the chopped black olives or chopped sun-dried tomatoes to your dip, although plain hummus is just plain good.

Chill. Drizzle the olive oil on top and serve with pita bread triangles, crackers, or as a dip for vegetable crudites such as celery sticks, carrot spears, and sliced red peppers. .