Walk Like an Egyptian

The chances are pretty good you've had hummus at some point. Chick pea hummus is common these days, but fava bean hummus has a far more complex flavor and I recommend trying it out. It doesn't take much.

And really, just go with the canned fava beans. It's easier. You can find tahini at any grocery store featuring imported items, or health food stores like Whole Foods. Based on this recipe:

Fava Bean Hummus

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Serves: 6

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 15oz cans of fava beans, drained

1/3 cup lemon juice

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 tsp salt

2/3 cups tahini (roasted)

Options:

Toasted pine nuts (garnish)

Chopped parsley (garnish)

Roasted red pepper (chopped, then blended with the hummus)

Preparation:

In a food processor, combine garlic, fava beans, lemon juice, water, olive oil, and salt, and blend thoroughly. Then add the tahini and blend until smooth.

Serve with pita bread (preferably whole wheat, pocketless).

It's just about the easiest recipe ever, so have fun with it. Blend in different flavors. The fava beans produce a much more complex flavor than the chick pea hummus you're probably familiar with (though the only difference in the recipe is the beans), and the cost is almost nothing.