Quick and Easy Hummus

Quick and Easy Hummus Recipe from Arabia - Chickpeas, Lemon Juice, Sesame Seeds, and More

Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Hummus is a popular Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course. This quick and easy hummus recipe is perfect for those looking to whip up a tasty and healthy dish in no time.

History

Hummus has been enjoyed in the Middle East for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient Egypt. The dish has since spread in popularity around the world, becoming a staple in many households. Traditionally, hummus is made by blending chickpeas with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. This recipe puts a quick and easy spin on the classic dish, making it accessible to anyone looking to enjoy a delicious and nutritious snack.

Ingredients

1 can of chickpeas, 15 oz (425 g)
2 tbsp of lemon juice
0.25 cup of toasted sesame seeds
0.25 cup of chopped onion
3 cloves of minced garlic
2 tsp of olive oil
2 tsp of ground cumin
0.25 tsp of cayenne pepper
0.5 tsp of salt
chopped parsley for garnish

How to prepare

Drain the chickpeas, reserving 0.25 to 0.5 cup of the liquid.
In a blender, combine all ingredients except parsley.
Blend until smooth, adding chickpea liquid as needed to achieve desired consistency.
Refrigerate for 3 – 6 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, garnish with parsley.
Serve with vegetables, pita bread, or as a spread for sandwiches.

Variations

Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Top with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika for a finishing touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to reserve some of the liquid from the canned chickpeas to help achieve the desired consistency of the hummus.

- Toasting the sesame seeds before adding them to the blender will enhance their flavor and aroma.

- Refrigerating the hummus for a few hours before serving will allow the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a more delicious dip.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hummus with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or as a spread for sandwiches. It also pairs well with grilled meats and salads.

Cooking Techniques

Blending all the ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth is the key technique for making hummus.

Ingredient Substitutions

Tahini can be substituted with almond butter or cashew butter.

- Canned chickpeas can be replaced with cooked chickpeas.

Make Ahead Tips

This hummus can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the hummus with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, and a few whole chickpeas for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve this hummus with fresh vegetables, pita bread, olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired spread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this hummus recipe contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this quick and easy hummus recipe contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this hummus recipe contains approximately 6 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this hummus recipe contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Hummus is a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This hummus recipe contains sesame seeds, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

This quick and easy hummus recipe is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and fiber. It makes for a great snack or appetizer option for those looking to enjoy a healthy and flavorful dish.

Summary

This quick and easy hummus recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a flavorful and healthy dip that is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Quick and Easy Hummus. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my aunt in the bustling city of Beirut. My aunt was a wonderful cook and she always had a delicious spread of Middle Eastern dishes ready for us to enjoy.

One day, as I watched her prepare a simple yet flavorful hummus, I was mesmerized by how effortlessly she whipped up such a tasty dish. I asked her for the recipe, and she chuckled as she handed me a piece of paper with a list of ingredients and instructions written in her elegant script.

I tucked the recipe away in my suitcase, determined to recreate the delicious hummus in my own kitchen. When I returned home, I eagerly gathered the ingredients and set to work, following the instructions carefully.

To my delight, the hummus turned out just as delicious as my aunt's. Creamy, tangy, and bursting with flavor, it quickly became a favorite in my household. Over the years, I have made this hummus countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. I have added roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and even fresh herbs to create different variations of this classic dish. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that day in Beirut, watching my aunt work her magic in the kitchen.

As I have shared this recipe with friends and family over the years, I have seen how much joy it brings to others. There is something truly special about sharing a meal with loved ones, and this hummus has always been a crowd-pleaser.

One of my fondest memories of making this hummus was when my granddaughter, Sarah, came to visit me. She was just a little girl at the time, but she was always eager to help me in the kitchen. As I showed her how to make the hummus, she carefully measured out each ingredient and stirred the mixture with a look of concentration on her face.

When we finally sat down to enjoy the hummus together, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as I watched Sarah take her first bite. Her eyes lit up with delight as she exclaimed, "This is the best hummus I've ever had, Grandma!"

From that day on, Sarah would often ask me to make the hummus whenever she came to visit. It became our special tradition, something that we shared together in the kitchen. As she grew older, she even started experimenting with the recipe herself, adding her own unique twist to it.

Now, as I write down this recipe for Quick and Easy Hummus, I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for all the memories that it holds. From my aunt's kitchen in Beirut to my own home here in the countryside, this humble dish has brought so much joy and connection to my life.

I hope that as you make this hummus in your own kitchen, you will feel a sense of warmth and love that comes from sharing a meal with those you care about. And who knows, perhaps one day you will pass this recipe down to your own loved ones, creating new memories and traditions along the way.

But for now, enjoy this simple yet delicious dish. May it bring you as much happiness as it has brought me over the years. Bon appétit!