Salata Hummus (Chickpea Salad)

Chickpea Salad Recipe from Arabia with Parsley and Lemon

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

Introduction

Salata Hummus, also known as Chickpea Salad, is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of chickpeas with the freshness of parsley, red pepper, and lemon juice.

History

Chickpeas have been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries, and this salad is a popular dish in countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. It is often served as part of a mezze platter or as a side dish with grilled meats.

Ingredients

400 g (14 oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 hard boiled egg, chopped in quarters
3 heaped tablespoons flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 red pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
0.5 tsp of cumin seeds
1 tsp dried thyme
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
3 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil, for frying
1 tsp salt
pinch of black pepper

How to prepare

Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a medium frying pan. Fry the onions and garlic on medium heat until slightly browned.
Next, add the cumin seeds, thyme, and red pepper. Stir for a couple of minutes.
Remove from heat and place in a medium bowl.
Add the lemon juice, salt, pepper, chickpeas, parsley, and chopped egg. Mix gently.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or cucumbers for extra freshness.
Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse and drain the chickpeas thoroughly to remove any excess salt or preservatives.

- For extra flavor, toast the cumin seeds in a dry pan before adding them to the salad.

- You can customize this recipe by adding other ingredients like diced tomatoes, cucumbers, or feta cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Salata Hummus as a side dish with grilled chicken or lamb, or enjoy it on its own as a light lunch. It also pairs well with pita bread or crackers.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the onions and garlic until they are slightly browned to bring out their sweetness.

- Gently mix the ingredients together to avoid mashing the chickpeas.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use canned or cooked chickpeas in this recipe.

- Substitute fresh parsley with cilantro or mint for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Salata Hummus can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to mix in the parsley and lemon juice right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with a sprig of parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation. Serve it in a colorful bowl or on a platter with fresh vegetables.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. It also goes well with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the salad in a pan on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Salata Hummus contains approximately 250 calories, making it a light and satisfying meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Salata Hummus contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates, making it a good source of energy for your body.

Fats

This salad is low in fat, with only 5 grams per serving. The olive oil used in the recipe provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

Proteins

Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein, with each serving of Salata Hummus containing around 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the red pepper, vitamin K from the parsley, and iron from the chickpeas.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and may not be suitable for those with egg allergies. It is also gluten-free and dairy-free.

Summary

Salata Hummus is a nutritious and balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. It is a great option for vegetarians and vegans looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Summary

Salata Hummus is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a light meal or side dish. With its combination of chickpeas, parsley, red pepper, and lemon juice, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Salata Hummus. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Lebanon. My grandmother, who was known for her incredible cooking skills, had invited a group of her friends over for a dinner party. As I watched her bustling around the kitchen, preparing dish after dish with such ease and grace, I couldn't help but feel in awe of her.

One of the dishes she made that evening was Salata Hummus, a simple yet flavorful chickpea salad that I had never tried before. As she mixed the ingredients together in a large bowl, I watched intently, eager to learn how to make it myself one day.

The next morning, I asked my grandmother if she would teach me how to make Salata Hummus. She smiled and invited me into the kitchen, where she began to show me the steps. She explained that the key to a good Salata Hummus is using fresh ingredients and allowing the flavors to meld together for a few hours before serving.

We started by rinsing and draining a can of chickpeas, then adding them to a bowl with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and fresh parsley. My grandmother then squeezed the juice of a lemon over the salad, drizzled olive oil on top, and sprinkled a generous amount of salt and pepper. She mixed everything together gently, being careful not to mash the chickpeas, and then covered the bowl and placed it in the refrigerator to chill.

As we waited for the flavors to meld together, my grandmother told me the story of how she first learned to make Salata Hummus. She explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations in our family, originating from a distant relative who had lived in a neighboring village many years ago.

According to my grandmother, this relative had been known for her incredible cooking skills and had shared her recipe for Salata Hummus with my great-grandmother, who then passed it down to my grandmother. Over the years, each generation had added their own twist to the recipe, making it their own while still honoring the original flavors.

As we sat down to enjoy the Salata Hummus later that day, I marveled at how such a simple dish could be so full of flavor and history. The combination of the fresh vegetables, tangy lemon juice, and earthy chickpeas was a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

From that day on, Salata Hummus became a staple in our family gatherings. Whenever we had guests over or celebrated a special occasion, my grandmother would always make a big bowl of Salata Hummus to share with everyone. It became a dish that brought us together, connecting us to our past and our heritage.

As I grew older and began to cook for my own family, I continued to make Salata Hummus using my grandmother's recipe. I taught my children how to make it, just as my grandmother had taught me, and shared the story of its origins with them.

Now, as I look back on those early days in my grandmother's kitchen, I am grateful for the memories and the lessons she shared with me. The recipe for Salata Hummus is not just a dish to me – it is a symbol of my family's history, a connection to my roots, and a reminder of the love and care that went into every meal my grandmother made. And for that, I will always be grateful.