Toasted Sesame Hummus

Ingredients

• ¼ cup tahini
• ¼ cup lemon juice (from 1 ½ to 2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium clove garlic
• ½ teaspoon fine salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons toasted sesame oil, divided, more to taste
• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained, or 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas
• 2 to 4 tablespoons water, as needed
• 1 teaspoon raw sesame seeds (I used a mix of white and black)
• Flaky sea salt, for garnish (optional)
• Suggested accompaniments: Toasted pita bread or pita chips, raw veggies like carrot, bell pepper or celery, crackers, etc.

Instructions

1. In a food processor or high-powered blender (i.e., Vitamix or Blendtec), combine the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and ½ teaspoon of the sesame oil. Process for about 1 ½ minutes, pausing to scrape down the sides and bottom as necessary, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Add half of the chickpeas to the food processor and process for 1 minute. Scrape down the bowl, then add the remaining chickpeas and process until the hummus is thick and smooth, 1 to 2 more minutes.
3. While running the food processor, drizzle in 2 to 4 tablespoons of water, until it reaches your desired consistency and level of creaminess. Taste and season with additional salt (I added ¼ teaspoon) and toasted sesame oil, if you want more pronounced sesame flavor (about ½ teaspoon). Set aside.
4. Toast the sesame seeds in a small skillet over medium heat, shimmying the skillet frequently, until they’re starting to turn golden, about 2 to 4 minutes. Pour them into a bowl to prevent them from burning.
5. Scrape the hummus into a small serving bowl. Lightly drizzle 1 teaspoon sesame oil over the top. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt (if using). Serve with accompaniments of your choice. Leftover hummus keeps well, chilled, for 4 to 5 days.