Although you wouldn't know it by the murky weather we've been having, the first day of spring was a week ago. It might still be a bit chilly to bust out the shorts and BBQ but you can make a batch of this delicious, fresh garbanzo bean dip to celebrate spring. It uses fresh garbanzos, the kind you buy still in the pod in the produce section. It takes a bit more effort to sit down and shell the beans but the end result is worth it. This dip is great- it tastes green, it tastes fresh...it tastes like SPRING!


Fresh Green Garbanzo Bean Dip

Ingredients

1 cup fresh garbanzo beans, shelled

3 cloves of fresh garlic, minced

1/3 cup tahini

3.5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Pinch of ground cumin

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste


Instructions

1. Puree ingredients in food processor until desired consistency. Add more olive oil if the dip seems to thick. Season with salt/ fresh pepper, to taste. Give it a final zap.

2. Serve with your favorite dipper. Goes great with veggies, toasted pita and chips.

* Fresh garbanzos in the pod can be purchased at most large Mexican markets and sometimes at the farmers' market.