Quick Hummus

Vegetarian Hummus Recipe from Oman with Garbanzo Beans and Tahina

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

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Hummus is a popular Middle Eastern dip made from garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas. It is a versatile and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. This quick and easy hummus recipe is perfect for those looking to whip up a delicious and healthy dish in no time.

History

Hummus has been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient Egypt. The dish has since spread in popularity worldwide, becoming a favorite among health-conscious individuals due to its high protein and fiber content.

Ingredients

1 can of garbanzo beans
1 medium-sized clove of garlic (or 0.5 of a large clove)
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp sesame seed paste (tahini)
3 tbsp of lemon juice
a pinch of cayenne pepper

How to prepare

Strain the garbanzo beans, reserving the liquid.
Place the garbanzo beans and all the other ingredients in a blender.
Blend on high speed for approximately 20 seconds.
Turn off the blender and stir the mixture with a spoon.
Gradually add the reserved liquid, one spoonful at a time, until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency (you may not need to use all of the liquid).
Blend for about 20 seconds after each addition of liquid. The final result should be thick, not runny.
Transfer the hummus to a bowl or plate. Optionally, drizzle with additional olive oil.
Serve the hummus with grilled meats or use it as a spread in sandwiches.
For a light dinner, serve alongside a plate of finely chopped tossed salad.
Enjoy the hummus with pita or other soft flatbread, using the bread to scoop up the dip and salad (without the need for a spoon or fork).

Variations

Experiment with different seasonings such as roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs to create unique flavor profiles for your hummus.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To achieve the perfect creamy texture for your hummus, be sure to blend the ingredients on high speed and gradually add the reserved liquid from the garbanzo beans until you reach your desired consistency. Additionally, don't be afraid to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the hummus with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or as a spread in sandwiches for a tasty and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Blending the ingredients on high speed and gradually adding the reserved liquid will help you achieve the perfect creamy texture for your hummus.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have tahini on hand, you can substitute it with peanut butter or almond butter for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare this hummus recipe in advance and store it in an airtight container 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, or a handful of fresh herbs for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this quick hummus recipe with grilled meats, fresh salads, or soft flatbreads for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this quick hummus recipe contains approximately 150 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious snack or meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this quick hummus recipe contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates, making it a great source of energy for your body.

Fats

With 7 grams of healthy fats per serving, this hummus recipe provides a good source of essential fatty acids that are beneficial for heart health.

Proteins

Garbanzo beans are rich in protein, with each serving of this hummus recipe containing around 5 grams of this essential nutrient.

Vitamins and minerals

Hummus is a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and vitamin C. These nutrients play a crucial role in supporting overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This hummus recipe contains tahini, which is made from sesame seeds. Individuals with sesame allergies should avoid this dish or use a substitute for tahini.

Summary

Overall, this quick hummus recipe is a nutritious and delicious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

This quick hummus recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or light meal. With its creamy texture and flavorful seasonings, it is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Quick Hummus. It was a warm summer day, and I had invited some friends over for a casual gathering in my backyard. As I was planning the menu, I wanted to include a healthy and delicious appetizer that would impress my guests. That's when I remembered a recipe that a friend had shared with me years ago.

I first learned how to make hummus from my Lebanese neighbor, Mrs. Khoury. She was a wonderful cook and always generously shared her recipes with me. I remember watching her carefully measure out the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, and then blend them together until they formed a smooth and creamy dip. The flavors were bold and tangy, and I fell in love with hummus from that moment on.

Over the years, I experimented with different variations of hummus, adding roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and even fresh herbs to create unique flavors. But when I came across this Quick Hummus recipe, I was intrigued by its simplicity and ease of preparation.

The key to this recipe is using canned chickpeas instead of cooking them from scratch. This cuts down on the cooking time significantly, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or busy weeknights. I also discovered that using a food processor instead of a traditional mortar and pestle speeds up the process even further.

To start, drain and rinse a can of chickpeas, reserving some of the liquid. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, and salt. Blend until smooth, adding a tablespoon or two of the reserved chickpea liquid if needed to achieve the desired consistency.

The result is a creamy and flavorful hummus that rivals any store-bought version. I like to garnish it with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, and a handful of chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

As I prepared the Quick Hummus for my friends that day, I couldn't help but think back to all the wonderful memories I had of learning to cook from Mrs. Khoury and the other amazing cooks in my life. Each recipe was a treasure, a piece of history and tradition passed down through generations.

And as my friends dipped into the hummus with crunchy pita bread and fresh vegetables, I knew that this simple dish was a testament to the power of food to bring people together. It wasn't just about nourishment; it was about sharing stories, creating connections, and celebrating life's moments, big and small.

So next time you're looking for a quick and delicious appetizer to impress your guests, give this Quick Hummus recipe a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass it down to the next generation, just like I did. Happy cooking!