Tahinosoupa (Tahini Soup)
2 tsp. sesame seeds 1/2 tsp. paprika Sprinkling of ground chile, optional 1 tsp. grated lemon zest About 5 1/2 oz. fresh egg-free noodles (hilopites) or 2 3/4 oz. dried 1/2 cup tahini Juice of 1 1/2 lemons Olive oil for serving Freshly ground black pepper Toast the sesame seeds lightly in a small dry skillet. Add the paprika and the chile, if using, and cook briefly, taking care not to burn it. Stir in the lemon zest and transfer to a small bowl. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a pot with some salt. Add the hilopites (noodles) and boil until just tender, about 2 minutes, or according to the package instructions if dried. Meanwhile, put the tahini and lemon juice into a bowl, add a ladleful of the boiling hilopites water and whisk until smooth. When the hilopites are ready, pour the tahini mixture in (and the chickpeas) and stir gently over the heat for a couple of minutes. Taste for salt. Serve in bowls with a drizzle of olive oil, a scattering of the sesame-paprika mixture and a grind of pepper.