Falafel

Falafel is very popular in the Middle East as a fast food. Vendors sell it on the street corners in Cairo. As a main dish, it is served as a sandwich, stuffed in pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, and tahini. As an appetizer, it is served on a salad, or with hummus and tahini. Falafel is a favorite among vegetarians.

INGREDIENTS:
* 1 cup dried chickpeas or 16 oz. can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans.
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
* 3 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
* 1 teaspoon coriander
* 1 teaspoon cumin

Black Bean Hummus

Although black beans are not usually included in Middle Eastern cooking, they make such a nice alternative to chickpeas in hummus. Black beans are also very healthy and high in anti-oxidants.

INGREDIENTS:
* 1 can black beans, drained (15 oz)
* 1/4 cup tahini
* 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/4 tablespoon lime juice

Sun Dried Tomato Hummus

Sun dried tomatoes are the ultimate way to add a little variation to hummus. Thisis one of the most popular flavors and it is even easier to make!

INGREDIENTS:
* 1 can garbanzo beans/chickpeas (15 oz.), drained
* 3 tablespoons sun dried tomatoes in oil
* 2 tablespoons roasted garlic
* 2 teaspoons parsley
* 2 tablespoons olive oil

Spinach Hummus

Spinach hummus is a delicious variation of Traditional Middle Eastern hummus. This recipe is super easy and is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

INGREDIENTS:
* 1 can garbanzo beans/chickpeas (15 oz), drained
* 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped
* 1/4 cup tahini
* 2 tablespoons garlic
* 3 tablespoons lemon juice

Green Avocado Hummus

This is a delicious and unusual hummus recipe that comes courtesy of Linda McCartney (with a few changes). She notes that adding a few chopped fresh spinach leaves will enhance the green color.

1 (16 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained, rinsed
1-1/2 teaspoons tahini
1/2 lemon, juice of
2 tablespoons sour cream
1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil