Middle-Eastern Hummus Platter

Middle-Eastern Hummus Platter Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Arabia

Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Middle-Eastern Hummus Platter is a classic dish that is perfect for entertaining or as a healthy snack. This recipe features creamy homemade hummus served with crispy pita wedges and fresh vegetables.

History

Hummus has been a staple in Middle-Eastern cuisine for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient Egypt. It is made from simple ingredients like chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, and has gained popularity worldwide for its delicious flavor and health benefits.

Ingredients

0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
0.25 cup tahini
1 tsp paprika
0.5 tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil
4 pita breads (5 to 6 inches)
6 cup bite-size vegetables for serving (such as blanched broccoli and cauliflower florets, carrot and celery sticks, cucumber slices and radishes)
2 (15 oz (425 g)) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 medium cloves garlic, peeled

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Meanwhile, in a food processor, mince the garlic.
Add chickpeas, 0.5 cup of water, lemon juice, tahini, paprika, and salt to the food processor. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
Transfer the hummus to a medium bowl.
Lightly brush oil over both sides of each pita. Cut each pita into 8 wedges and place them on a baking sheet.
Bake the pita wedges until they turn golden and toasted, which usually takes about 10 minutes.
Allow the pita wedges to cool for 10 minutes, then serve them with the hummus and cut-up vegetables.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to the hummus for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To make the hummus extra creamy, be sure to process it in the food processor until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. You can also adjust the seasonings to taste by adding more lemon juice, tahini, or salt.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hummus platter as a healthy snack, appetizer, or light meal. It pairs well with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or crackers.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making creamy hummus is to process the ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure a consistent texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have tahini on hand, you can substitute it with almond butter or cashew butter for a similar creamy texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the hummus ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the hummus, pita wedges, and vegetables on a large platter for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, and fresh herbs for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This Middle-Eastern Hummus Platter pairs well with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon or cucumber slices.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat the pita wedges, simply place them in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes until warm and crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Middle-Eastern Hummus Platter contains approximately 250 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious snack or appetizer.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Middle-Eastern Hummus Platter contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates, making it a great source of energy for your body.

Fats

This dish is rich in healthy fats from the olive oil and tahini, providing essential nutrients for brain health and overall well-being.

Proteins

With chickpeas as the main ingredient, this hummus platter is a good source of plant-based protein, with each serving containing around 10 grams.

Vitamins and minerals

Chickpeas are packed with vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6, which are essential for maintaining good health.

Alergens

This recipe contains tahini, which is made from sesame seeds and may be a common allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

Overall, this Middle-Eastern Hummus Platter is a nutritious and delicious dish that is perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Summary

Middle-Eastern Hummus Platter is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With creamy homemade hummus, crispy pita wedges, and fresh vegetables, this recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for a Middle-Eastern Hummus Platter. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my aunt in Lebanon. My aunt was an amazing cook, and she loved to share her recipes with me. One day, as we sat in her kitchen sipping on mint tea, she pulled out a worn, stained piece of paper from her recipe box and handed it to me.

"This is my special recipe for hummus," she said with a mischievous smile. "It's been passed down in our family for generations. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do."

I eagerly took the paper and read through the ingredients and instructions. Chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil...it all sounded so exotic and delicious. I couldn't wait to try it out for myself.

Over the years, I've made this hummus recipe countless times, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. It has become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that I am known for among family and friends. And today, I am excited to share it with you.

To make my Middle-Eastern Hummus Platter, you will need the following ingredients:

- 2 cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

- 1/2 cup of tahini

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- Juice of 1 lemon

- 2 tablespoons of olive oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Paprika, cumin, and parsley for garnish

- Assorted fresh vegetables, such as cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers

- Pita bread or crackers for serving

To begin, place the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding a splash of water if needed to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Transfer the hummus to a serving dish and drizzle with a bit more olive oil. Sprinkle with paprika, cumin, and chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Next, prepare your fresh vegetables by slicing them into sticks or bite-sized pieces. Arrange them around the hummus on a large platter, creating a beautiful and inviting spread. Don't forget to warm up some pita bread or crackers for dipping!

As you gather around the table with your loved ones, dig into the hummus with gusto. The creamy texture and bold flavors will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the bustling streets of Beirut or Tel Aviv.

I hope this recipe brings you as much joy and satisfaction as it has brought me over the years. May it become a cherished tradition in your own kitchen, passed down from generation to generation.

And remember, the key ingredient in any dish is love. So pour your heart and soul into your cooking, and you will create magic every time.

Bon appétit!