Hommas Tahino
Hommas Tahino Recipe from Lebanon: Delicious Chickpea Dip
Introduction
Hommas Tahino is a classic Middle Eastern dish made from chickpeas, sesame paste, lemon juice, and spices. It is a creamy and flavorful dip that is perfect for serving as an appetizer or snack.
History
Hommas Tahino has been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Egypt, where it was traditionally made with chickpeas, sesame paste, and spices. Over time, the recipe spread to other Middle Eastern countries and has become a popular dish worldwide.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Drain the warm chickpeas and reserve 1 tbsp.
- Beat the chickpeas in a food processor.
- Blend the chickpeas with sesame paste, lemon juice, crushed garlic, and salt until it forms a smooth purée.
- Adjust the flavor and consistency with more lemon juice and salt if needed. The Hommas should be thick and smooth.
- Serve the Hommas in bowls.
- Pour olive oil in the center and garnish with the reserved chickpeas, chopped parsley, and cumin.
Variations
- Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor.
- Top with pine nuts or chopped olives for added texture.
- Mix in herbs like cilantro or mint for a fresh twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
For a smoother Hommas, peel the chickpeas before blending.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and salt to suit your taste preferences.
- To enhance the flavor, toast the cumin seeds before grinding them.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of water or olive oil while blending.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hommas Tahino with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or as a topping for salads and sandwiches.
Cooking Techniques
Use a food processor or blender to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste by adding more lemon juice, salt, or spices.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use canned chickpeas instead of cooked for convenience.
- Substitute tahini paste for sesame paste if desired.
Make Ahead Tips
Hommas Tahino can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a stir before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish Hommas Tahino with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, and a few whole chickpeas for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve Hommas Tahino with falafel, tabbouleh, or grilled meats for a complete Middle Eastern meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover Hommas Tahino in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Hommas Tahino contains approximately 200 calories per serving.
Carbohydrates
Hommas Tahino is a good source of carbohydrates, with approximately 15 grams per serving.
Fats
Hommas Tahino is a rich source of healthy fats, with approximately 10 grams per serving.
Proteins
Hommas Tahino is a good source of protein, with approximately 5 grams per serving.
Vitamins and minerals
Hommas Tahino is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and vitamin C.
Alergens
Hommas Tahino contains sesame paste, which may be an allergen for some individuals.
Summary
Hommas Tahino is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Hommas Tahino is a classic Middle Eastern dish that is creamy, flavorful, and nutritious. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can enjoy this delicious dip at home.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Hommas Tahino. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village nestled in the hills of Lebanon. My grandmother, who was known throughout the village for her delicious cooking, had invited a group of women over for a cooking demonstration.
As I watched in awe, my grandmother began to gather the ingredients for the dish. She explained that Hommas Tahino was a traditional Lebanese dish made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. She told us that the key to a good Hommas Tahino was to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to take our time when preparing it.
I watched as my grandmother soaked the chickpeas overnight and then cooked them until they were soft and tender. She then peeled each chickpea by hand, a laborious process that she said was essential for achieving the perfect texture. Next, she added the tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, mixing everything together until it formed a smooth, creamy paste.
As the women in the room oohed and aahed at my grandmother's skill, I knew that I wanted to learn how to make Hommas Tahino myself. So, I asked my grandmother if she would teach me her recipe. She smiled and agreed, knowing that I had a passion for cooking that matched her own.
Over the years, I practiced making Hommas Tahino whenever I could. I experimented with different proportions of chickpeas, tahini, and lemon juice, trying to find the perfect balance of flavors. I learned that the key to a good Hommas Tahino was patience and attention to detail - qualities that my grandmother had instilled in me from a young age.
As I grew older and started a family of my own, I continued to make Hommas Tahino for special occasions and family gatherings. It became a beloved dish in our household, with everyone eagerly awaiting the moment when I would bring out a fresh batch of creamy, garlicky dip.
One day, while visiting a market in Beirut, I met a woman who claimed to have the secret to the best Hommas Tahino in all of Lebanon. Intrigued, I asked her to share her recipe with me. She laughed and said that there was no secret ingredient or special technique - just a love for cooking and a dedication to using the best ingredients available.
As I listened to her talk about her own experiences with Hommas Tahino, I realized that cooking is not just about following a recipe - it's about passion, creativity, and a willingness to learn from others. My journey with Hommas Tahino had taught me that the best recipes are those that are shared and passed down through generations, each cook adding their own unique touch to create something truly special.
And so, as I sit here now, preparing a fresh batch of Hommas Tahino for my family, I feel grateful for all the women who have inspired me along the way. From my grandmother to the woman in Beirut, each one has left a mark on my cooking journey, shaping me into the cook that I am today.
As I take a taste of the creamy, garlicky dip, I can't help but smile. The recipe for Hommas Tahino may have started with my grandmother, but it has grown and evolved with each person who has shared their knowledge and love of cooking with me. And for that, I am truly grateful.