Hummus II

Hummus II Recipe from Jordan - Garbanzo Beans, Garlic, Paprika, and More

Region / culture: Jordan | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Hummus is a popular Middle Eastern dip made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It is a versatile and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or as part of a meal. In this recipe, we will show you how to make a delicious and creamy hummus from scratch.

History

Hummus has been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Egypt, where it was first made using chickpeas, sesame paste, olive oil, and spices. Over time, the recipe spread to other parts of the Middle East and eventually gained popularity worldwide. Today, hummus is enjoyed by people of all cultures and is often served as an appetizer or side dish.

Ingredients

2 cups raw garbanzo beans or 3 cans chickpeas
2 – 3 garlic cloves or more
0.5 tsp hot paprika
pinch of cayenne pepper
0.5 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
0.25 cup lemon juice

Seasoning mixture

1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cumin seed
0.5 tsp black pepper
0.5 tsp ground turmeric
0.5 tsp ground coriander seed
2 tbsp dried and minced parsley
0.25 tsp ground cayenne

How to prepare

To make the hummus, start by soaking two cups of raw garbanzo beans overnight in water. Make sure to add enough water to cover the beans.
The next day, drain the soaked beans and place them in a pot. Add more water to cover the beans and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer the beans until they are tender.
Drain the cooked beans, but make sure to reserve the liquid. Set aside a small handful of beans for garnishing.
In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked beans, seasonings, and tahini. Blend until smooth, adding some of the reserved bean liquid to achieve a thick, creamy consistency.
Transfer the hummus to a bowl and add the following garnishes: drizzle with Greek olive oil, sprinkle with paprika, and garnish with chopped parsley or sliced red onion.
Finally, top the bowl of hummus with a handful of the reserved whole beans.
Serve the hummus as a dip with nacho chips or pita triangles, or use it to stuff pita bread along with sprouts.

Variations

Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Mix in fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint for a burst of freshness.
Experiment with different spices such as smoked paprika, cumin, or sumac for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the chickpeas overnight helps to soften them and reduce cooking time.

- Reserve some of the cooking liquid from the chickpeas to achieve the desired consistency of the hummus.

- Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper and hot paprika gives the hummus a spicy kick.

- Garnish the hummus with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, and fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the hummus as a dip with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or crackers. It can also be used as a spread on sandwiches or wraps.

Cooking Techniques

Use a food processor or blender to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more lemon juice, garlic, or spices as desired.

- For a lighter version, use less tahini or substitute with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute canned chickpeas for raw chickpeas to save time.

- Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a tahini alternative for a nut-free version.

- Swap out the spices for your favorite seasoning blend or curry powder for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Hummus can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply give it a stir before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the hummus with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. Serve it in a decorative bowl with a side of fresh vegetables or pita bread for dipping.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the hummus with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a light beer like a pilsner or wheat ale. It also pairs well with a refreshing iced tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave it for a few seconds or let it come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this hummus recipe contains approximately 200 calories. This makes it a nutritious and satisfying snack or meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this hummus recipe contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are essential for overall health and well-being.

Fats

This hummus recipe contains approximately 10 grams of fat per serving. The fats in hummus come from the tahini and olive oil, which are heart-healthy sources of monounsaturated fats.

Proteins

Each serving of this hummus recipe provides around 8 grams of protein. Protein is important for muscle growth and repair, as well as for overall health and immune function.

Vitamins and minerals

Hummus is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and vitamin C. These nutrients are essential for various bodily functions, such as energy production, bone health, and immune support.

Alergens

This hummus recipe contains sesame seeds, which are a common allergen. If you or someone you are serving has a sesame seed allergy, be sure to omit the tahini or use a substitute.

Summary

Overall, this hummus recipe is a nutritious and delicious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a healthy option for those looking to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diet.

Summary

This hummus recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make at home. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can enjoy a creamy and flavorful dip that is perfect for snacking or entertaining. Experiment with different seasonings and garnishes to create your own unique version of this classic Middle Eastern dish.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for the first time. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a friend who had just returned from a trip to the Middle East. She had brought back with her a cookbook filled with delicious and exotic recipes, and as soon as she showed me the recipe for Hummus II, I knew I had to try it.

I had always been a fan of hummus, but I had never tried making it myself. The idea of blending together chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice to create a creamy and flavorful dip seemed almost magical to me. I knew that I had to learn how to make it, and my friend was more than happy to teach me.

As we gathered the ingredients and set to work in her cozy kitchen, my friend shared with me the story of how she had learned to make hummus while traveling through the Middle East. She had spent time in Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon, and in each country, she had been amazed by the different variations of this beloved dish.

In Israel, she had tried hummus topped with roasted pine nuts and drizzled with olive oil. In Jordan, she had savored hummus garnished with sumac and served with warm pita bread. And in Lebanon, she had indulged in hummus sprinkled with paprika and served with fresh vegetables.

As we blended the ingredients together in her food processor, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the rich tapestry of flavors and traditions that had gone into the making of this simple yet extraordinary dish. The creamy texture of the chickpeas, the nutty taste of the tahini, the sharpness of the garlic, and the tanginess of the lemon juice all came together in perfect harmony, creating a dip that was truly greater than the sum of its parts.

As we sat down to enjoy our homemade hummus with a platter of fresh vegetables and warm pita bread, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to learn this recipe from my friend. It was a gift that I would carry with me for the rest of my life, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to different cultures and traditions, and to bring joy and nourishment to our lives.

Since that day, I have made hummus many times, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. Sometimes I like to add a pinch of cumin for a smoky flavor, or a handful of fresh herbs for a burst of freshness. Other times, I like to garnish it with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of za'atar for a touch of Middle Eastern flair.

But no matter how I choose to make it, every time I take a bite of homemade hummus, I am transported back to that warm summer day in my friend's kitchen, where I first learned the magic of blending together chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice to create a dish that is as comforting as it is delicious. And I am grateful for the memories and the flavors that this recipe has brought into my life.