Hummus

My dear friend Lamia, of Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt by way of UD taught me to make Hummus long before it was a standard appetizer (you know before brushetta became the "in" app.).

the ingredients are simple Chick Peas, Olive Oil, Tahini, Garlic and Lemon Juice....

I never had a ratio.  I always went by taste - you can add more of everything, except the beans, because then you have to add more of everything...

So I'm going to put some down a few samples from the internet and correct the blog later.

1 15 oz can of beans
1 garlic clove (range 1-2)
1 TBS extra virgin Olive Oil (range 0-2)
2 TBS Tahini  (range 1.5 - 4)
2 TBS Lemon Juice (range 1.5 - 4)
liquid as needed (from can or water)
salt to taste

Combine in food processor and process to desired consistency.

spatula the hummus into a bowl, make a depression in the middle and add olive oil and pine nuts if you have them.

You can also add ground beef or lamb (kibbeh?) in the depression to make it a little more hearty.
 .
To spice it up I either sprinkle Hot Hungarian Paprika over top
*or*
Blend in a little Thai Red Cock Sauce (Sriracha).
How's that for cross cultural?

Middle Eastern "Kefta" Meatloaf - Experiment in Progress

I love middle eastern food: Hummus, Babaganoush, Shwarma, Falafel, Cous Cous and Kefta Kabobs. Kefta Kabobs are ground lamb rolled up on a skewer and grilled. Think sausage without the benefit of casing.

I was in Shoprite the other day, and don't normally shop there. To my delight, the had ground Lamb! So I passed on the "meatloaf mix" b/c I can get that at the Acme in Trolley Sqr. I also got some ground veal. Yeah, I know, I'm a veal eating heathen. So I decided to make a Kefta Meatloaf. It was yummy but needs some seasoning work. - It was mild, slightly creamy and you could taste the lamb. I think it needs Cumin. And Mint is an option too.

1.15 LBS ground lamb
1.15 LBS ground veal (a lean beef prob. would have worked here too.)
(Might want to increase the lamb to beef ratio.)
1 MED onion - (chopped fine - hide from kids)
2-3 TBS (abt.) Fresh chopped parsley. a "bunch"?
1/2 Cup plain yogurt
salt / pepper to taste
1 cup Ritz breadcrumbs (slightly less that a stack - crushed fine)
in a 2 qt. corningware caserole dish
350 deg. 1.25 hrs. uncovered.

untried options:
Cumin - how much?
mint - how much?