This heart smart recipe utilizing chick peas or garbanzo beans makes for a great starter. For ease of preparation canned artichokes are used. Fresh artichoke hearts may be used if so desired. When choosing fresh artichokes look for bright green artichokes with few blemishes.

Ingredients
1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans
1/2 cup canned artichoke hearts
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper
2 tablespoons Carapelli Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Pita bread wedges and assorted vegetables such as steamed fresh asparagus spears, sugar snap peas and baby carrots, for dipping

Cooking Directions
In bowl of food processor, combine garbanzo beans, artichoke hearts, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Process until mixture is smooth. Lightly drizzle olive oil into bean mixture. Process until combined. Cover and chill hummus for 1 hour to allow flavors to blend. Serve with pita wedges and vegetable dippers.

For Pita Bread Wedges - Cut pita bread into wedges. Brush bread with Carapelli Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Bake in a 400°F oven for 10-12 minutes or until lightly crisp.

Serving Suggestion: Serve hummus in a hollowed out artichoke on a platter. Serve pita bread chips and vegetables around the dip.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 1/4 hours (includes chill time)

Wine Suggestions: Chardonnay or Light Bodied Red

Vegetarian