Bread is an important part of any Moroccan meal, ideal for sopping up soft vegetables and juices from a tagine or this creamy hummus. Za’atar—a blend of oregano, thyme, sesame seeds, and other dried herbs—offers a flavor both familiar and new. Don’t be shy when adding salt, which chickpeas seem to crave.

Yield: 4-5 servings

In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, add garlic and purée for 10 seconds. Add chickpeas, tahini, za’atar, and lemon juice. Puree, slowing adding oil until mixture is smooth. Add additional oil or water if consistency is too thick. Season with salt.

Remove mixture from food processor, place in an airtight container, and refrigerate until serving. Before serving, mix well and garnish with olives.