Hummus with herb, cucumber and olive salad topping

INGREDIENTS

3-4 cups homemade or store-bought hummus; recipe follows

1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh dill

1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, thinly sliced

1 small cucumber (such as Persian), unpeeled, cut into small dice 1tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Salt to taste

1tablespoon pepitas, toasted; see cook's notes

1tablespoon sunflower seeds; see cook's notes

1tablespoon white sesame seeds, toasted; see cook's notes

Pita chips, homemade or store-bought; recipe follows

Cook's notes: Most often I buy pepitas and sunflower seeds that are roasted and salted. If you buy raw pepitas and/or sunflower seeds, cook them by placing on a rimmed baking sheet and lightly toasting in a 350-degree oven for about 3 minutes. To toast sesame seeds, place in small skillet on medium-high heat. Shake handle to redistribute seeds as they lightly toast; keep an eye on them because they burn easily. Remove seeds from skillet as soon as they lightly brown.

Yield: About 8servings

PROCEDURE

1. Spread hummus in large bowl. In medium bowl, gently toss parsley, dill, olives, cucumber, oil and juice together. Season with salt to taste. Spoon over hummus. Sprinkle on pepitas, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds. Serve with pita chips to use as dippers.

Source: Adapted from “Boards,” by America's Test Kitchen (America's Test Kitchen, $30)

PROCEDURE

1. Combine the garbanzos, oil, tahini, juice, paprika (and/or cumin) and salt in food processor. Puree until very smooth, adding some garbanzo liquid if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Source: Adapted from “Eat Vegan Before 6:00,” by Mark Bittman (Clarkson Potter, $26)

4 cups cooked or canned garbanzo beans, drained (reserve liquid) 1tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 4 tablespoons tahini; see cook's notes 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice 2 teaspoons ground paprika or ground cumin (or both) 2teaspoons salt, plus more to taste Cook's notes: Tahini is a paste made from ground, hulled sesame seeds. It is sold at natural food stores and supermarkets with large specialty sections. Stir it well before measuring.