CREAMY LEMON HUMMUS

Tahini and garbanzo beans, a.k.a. chickpeas, make classic hummus. Replacing some of the garbanzo beans with white beans yields a lighter, creamier version that’s a delicious, satisfying dip for raw vegetables and crackers. A garnish of tangy ground sumac underscores the lemon flavors. This recipe doubles nicely and keeps for about a week in the refrigerator.

Prep time: 1 0 minutes Makes: 1 ¾ cups

1 (1 5 -ounce) can garbanzo beans 1 (15-ounce) can white beans

¼ cup tahini, at room temperature

2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice ½ teaspoon salt

⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper Grated rind from 1 small lemon Extra-virgin olive oil, for serving Optional toppings: crushed red-pepper flakes, ground sumac and chopped fresh herbs, such as dill, cilantro, parsley or chives

1 . Strain garbanzo beans and white beans over a bowl to catch the juices. Reserve the juices. Put 4 ounces of garbanzo beans and 4 ounces of white beans into a blender or food processor. Save remaining beans for another use.

2 . Add ¼ cup tahini, 2 tablespoons each oil and lemon juice, ½ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon cayenne and ¼ cup of reserved bean liquid. Process until very smooth. Taste and add remaining oil and lemon juice as desired. Puree. Add more bean liquid (or cold water) to reach desired thickness. Scrape into bowl.

3 . Stir in grated lemon rind. Taste and adjust salt. Refrigerate covered for up to several days.

4 . Serve with a pool of extra-virgin olive oil poured over the hummus. Top with one or more of the options, as desired.