Hummus and Veggie Platter Nourishing and Simple Meal

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 to taste salt
• 1 4 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1 bell pepper sliced (red, yellow, or orange)
• 1 cucumber sliced into rounds
• 1 carrot cut into sticks
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup radishes, halved
• 1 to garnish fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro)

Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, and salt.
2. Blend the mixture until it becomes smooth. If the hummus is too thick, gradually add water until the desired consistency is reached.
3. Taste the hummus and adjust seasoning as necessary. Blend again to mix thoroughly.
4. Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and smooth the top with a spatula. Drizzle with additional olive oil for garnish if desired.
5. Arrange the sliced bell pepper, cucumber rounds, carrot sticks, cherry tomato halves, and radish halves beautifully around the plate or on a large platter.
6. Garnish the hummus with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of paprika or za’atar for added flavor and color.