Garlic and Chickpea Dip

Garlic and Chickpea Dip Recipe - Vegan, Vegetarian, and Arabian

Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Garlic and Chickpea Dip is a flavorful and creamy dip that is perfect for serving as an appetizer or side dish. This dip is packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a nutritious option for snacking.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Middle Eastern hummus, which is made with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. The addition of boiled garlic bulbs adds a unique and intense flavor to this dip.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) chickpeas, soaked and cooked
2 garlic bulbs, boiled whole for 20 minutes, drained
4 oz (113 g) olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
3 oz (85 g) tahini
3 tbsp black pepper
4 tbsp fresh, chopped parsley
3 tsp garlic powder, optional
tomatoes, to garnish, if desired

How to prepare

Blend the chickpeas until they are well puréed.
Squeeze the garlic cloves from their skins and add them to the chickpeas.
Add the oil, lemon juice, tahini, and garlic powder (optional) to the mixture. Blend again.
Mix in the pepper and parsley until well combined.
Transfer the mixture into an oiled mold and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Carefully remove the mixture from the mold and place it on a plate. Garnish with tomato wedges or slices, as desired. Serve plain with any appetizer or side dish.
Store the herb and legume-based dip in the refrigerator for later use.

Variations

Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Use different herbs such as cilantro or mint for a unique twist.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soak the chickpeas overnight before cooking to ensure they are soft and easy to blend.

- Boiling the garlic bulbs whole helps to mellow out the flavor and make them easier to blend into the dip.

- Adjust the amount of garlic powder to suit your taste preferences.

- Garnish the dip with fresh parsley and tomatoes for a pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Garlic and Chickpea Dip with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or as a spread on sandwiches or wraps.

Cooking Techniques

Blend the chickpeas until smooth for a creamy texture.

- Refrigerate the dip for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned chickpeas instead of soaking and cooking dried chickpeas.

- Substitute roasted garlic cloves for boiled garlic bulbs.

Make Ahead Tips

Garlic and Chickpea Dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Garlic and Chickpea Dip in a decorative bowl garnished with fresh parsley and tomato slices.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Garlic and Chickpea Dip with fresh vegetables, crackers, or toasted pita bread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Garlic and Chickpea Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Garlic and Chickpea Dip contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Garlic and Chickpea Dip contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Garlic and Chickpea Dip contains approximately 10 grams of healthy fats from olive oil and tahini.

Proteins

Each serving of Garlic and Chickpea Dip contains approximately 5 grams of protein from chickpeas and tahini.

Vitamins and minerals

Garlic and Chickpea Dip is a good source of iron, magnesium, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains tahini, which is made from sesame seeds and may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Garlic and Chickpea Dip is a nutritious and flavorful dip that is high in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Garlic and Chickpea Dip is a delicious and nutritious dip that is perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, this dip is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to take a stroll through the bustling farmer's market in town. As I perused the various stalls filled with colorful fruits and vegetables, my eyes were drawn to a small stand where a friendly woman was offering samples of her homemade dips.

I approached the stand and watched as the woman expertly scooped up a spoonful of a creamy, golden dip and spread it onto a crispy piece of pita bread. The aroma of garlic and spices wafted towards me, and I couldn't resist taking a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth – creamy, tangy, and just a hint of heat from the garlic. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

I immediately struck up a conversation with the woman, eager to learn more about this delicious dip. She explained that it was a traditional Middle Eastern recipe called Garlic and Chickpea Dip, also known as hummus. She had learned how to make it from her grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations.

Intrigued, I asked the woman if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. She smiled warmly and handed me a handwritten card with the ingredients and instructions. I thanked her profusely and headed home, eager to try my hand at making this delectable dip.

As I gathered the ingredients – chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil – I couldn't help but think back to the kind woman at the farmer's market. I wondered about her grandmother, who had lovingly taught her the recipe. I imagined a kitchen filled with the aromas of spices and laughter, as the women in her family gathered to cook together.

I followed the instructions carefully, blending the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice in a food processor until smooth. I drizzled in the olive oil slowly, watching as the mixture transformed into a creamy dip. I couldn't resist dipping a piece of pita bread into the bowl and tasting the results.

The flavors were just as I remembered – creamy, garlicky, and utterly addictive. I knew that this Garlic and Chickpea Dip would become a staple in my own kitchen, a recipe to be passed down to future generations.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe, tweaking the proportions of garlic and lemon juice to suit my taste. I experimented with different spices, adding a pinch of cumin for depth or a sprinkle of paprika for color. Each batch was a labor of love, a tribute to the woman at the farmer's market who had sparked my passion for this dish.

I shared the recipe with friends and family, who raved about its delicious simplicity. They were amazed at how a handful of humble ingredients could come together to create such a flavorful dip. I beamed with pride, knowing that I had mastered a recipe that had been passed down through generations.

As I grew older, my love for cooking only deepened. I continued to learn new recipes from different cultures and cuisines, always eager to expand my culinary horizons. But no matter how many dishes I mastered, the Garlic and Chickpea Dip remained a favorite – a comforting reminder of that warm summer day at the farmer's market.

Now, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the aromas of garlic and spices, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that led me to this recipe. It is a testament to the power of tradition, of family, and of the simple joys that can be found in a good meal shared with loved ones.

And so, I continue to make my Garlic and Chickpea Dip, each batch a tribute to the kind woman at the farmer's market and her grandmother who passed down this beloved recipe. As I dip a piece of pita bread into the creamy mixture and savor the flavors, I am filled with a sense of connection – to the past, to the present, and to all the generations of women who have cooked before me.