Chickpea Sandwich Spread

This easy preparation is especially tasty when spread on hearty whole-grain rye bread, but it's great spread on wedges of fresh pita bread, too.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 (16-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup minced red bell pepper
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon minced scallion or chives
Juice of 1/2 lemon
2 tablespoons sesame paste (Makes about 2 cups. Recipe provided courtesy of Nava Atlas; www.vegkitchen.com.)
1/2 teaspoon each: dried dill and ground cumin
Freshly ground pepper to taste

Cooking Directions:

1. Mash the chickpeas well and combine with the remaining ingredients in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly and pat into a serving container. Cover and refrigerate until needed.

Makes about 2 cups.

Recipe provided courtesy of Nava Atlas; www.vegkitchen.com.