Swiss Chard Stem Hummus

So much of the Swiss Chard is in the stem, so it makes sense to use it all.

1 pound chard stems, coarsely chopped (about 4 cups)

salt to taste

2-4 garlic cloves (to taste), peeled and green shoots removed

½ cup sesame tahini, stirred if the oil has separated

¼ – ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (to taste)

1 TB extra-virgin olive oil

 

Steam the chard stalks about 15 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain well, and allow to cool. Place in a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Puree, stopping the machine from time to time to scrape down the sides.

Mince garlic and mash with ½ tsp. salt until you have a smooth paste. Add to the chard stalks. Process until smooth. Add the tahini, and again process until smooth. With the machine running, add the lemon juice and salt to taste. Stop the machine, taste and adjust seasonings. Transfer to bowl, drizzle on the olive oil and serve. It may seem runny at first, but it stiffens up. Keeps for about 3 days, but is best freshly made. Great with crudités or pita bread and good olives. Yumm.