~Makes about 3 cups~

2 Cups cooked, drained garbanzo beans

1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 Small Walla Walla sweet onion, cut into quarters

4 Cloves FRESH garlic

2 Small Fresh beets, steamed until just tender, peeled and cooled

1/4 Cup Tahini(Sesame Paste)

2 Tsp. Toasted, coarsely crushed cumin seeds

Juice of one fresh lemon

Kosher or sea salt, pepper & cayenne to taste

With blade attachment of food processor, puree all ingredients except seasonings until smooth.

Season to taste with salt, pepper and cayenne.

Allow at least 30 minutes for flavors to marry before serving. May be served chilled or at room temperature.

Optional Garnish: Chopped fresh onion tops and toasted sesame seeds.

Serving suggestion: Great served alongside toasted pita wedges or crostini drizzle with zatar and olive oil prior to toasting and fresh crispy Farmer's market veggies such as cucumber rounds, rainbow carrots and kohlrabi sticks.

Note: Zatar is a Middle Eastern blend of spices consisting primarlly of sumac, sesame and thyme. Zatar is available at Penzey's spices. www.penzeys.com

Earthy, beautiful,  fresh beets bring traditional hummus to life.