Sesame Chickpea Dip

Sesame Chickpea Dip Recipe from Kuwait

Region / culture: Kuwait | Preparation time: overnight | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6-8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Sesame Chickpea Dip, also known as hummus, is a popular Middle Eastern dish that has gained popularity worldwide for its creamy texture and delicious flavor. This recipe combines the nutty taste of sesame with the earthy flavor of chickpeas, creating a versatile dip that can be enjoyed with pita bread, vegetables, or as a spread in sandwiches.

History

Hummus has been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient Egypt. The combination of chickpeas, sesame paste, and garlic has been enjoyed by generations and has evolved over time to include various flavorings and garnishes.

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked chickpeas, picked over for rocks and bad beans, and rinsed (garbanzo beans)
0.5 tsp baking soda
2-3 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 tsp salt
1 cup tahini (Arabic sesame paste)
4 tbsp water
3 lemons, juice of
0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt
freshly ground black pepper
cayenne pepper
additional extra virgin olive oil (for garnish)
parsley, for garnish (optional)
pomegranate seeds, for garnish (optional)

How to prepare

1. Soak the chickpeas in water with baking soda overnight.
2. Drain the water and add fresh water to cover the chickpeas by about 1 inch. Cook until well done, approximately 1 hour.
3. Drain and allow to cool.
4. If you prefer a smoother texture, gently rub the beans together to loosen the translucent hulls and discard them.
5. Transfer the chickpeas to the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Add garlic and salt. Pulse several times to mash, then puree, scraping down the sides several times.
6. Stir the sesame oil thoroughly before measuring.
7. Pour the sesame oil into a small bowl, add cold water, and stir thoroughly. The mixture will thicken.
8. Add lemon juice and stir until a smooth sauce is formed.
9. Transfer the sauce to the food processor. Pulse several times to combine with the chickpea puree. Scrape down the sides, then mix thoroughly.
10. Add olive oil and more tahini to taste. Adjust seasonings with more salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste.
11. Transfer the mixture to a large shallow dish. Smooth the surface and make several dents in the mixture.
12. Spoon olive oil into the dents and drizzle the surface with more olive oil if desired.
13. Garnish with chopped parsley and pomegranate seeds if desired.
14. Serve with pita bread or vegetables. It is also a great addition to a falafel or lamb sandwich in pita bread.

Variations

Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Mix in herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint for a fresh twist.
Top with toasted pine nuts or almonds for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Removing the translucent hulls of the chickpeas will result in a smoother texture.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne for a spicier flavor.

- Garnish with olive oil, parsley, and pomegranate seeds for a visually appealing presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sesame Chickpea Dip with pita bread, vegetables, or as a spread in sandwiches. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish with falafel or lamb.

Cooking Techniques

Use a food processor to blend the chickpeas and create a smooth texture.

- Adjust the consistency by adding more water or olive oil as needed.

- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute tahini with almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor.

- Use canned chickpeas instead of dried chickpeas for a quicker preparation.

Make Ahead Tips

Sesame Chickpea Dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Sesame Chickpea Dip with a drizzle of olive oil, chopped parsley, and pomegranate seeds for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Sesame Chickpea Dip with fresh vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers for a healthy snack. It also pairs well with grilled meats or seafood.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Sesame Chickpea Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sesame Chickpea Dip contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sesame Chickpea Dip contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sesame Chickpea Dip contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Sesame Chickpea Dip contains approximately 6 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sesame Chickpea Dip is a good source of iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6.

Alergens

This recipe contains sesame and may not be suitable for individuals with sesame allergies.

Summary

Sesame Chickpea Dip is a nutritious and flavorful dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for snacking or as part of a meal.

Summary

Sesame Chickpea Dip is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and versatile to enjoy. With its creamy texture and flavorful taste, it is sure to be a hit at any gathering or meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a cold winter afternoon and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I had found tucked away in the back of a cabinet. As I turned the pages, a recipe for Sesame Chickpea Dip caught my eye, and I knew that I had to try it.

I had always been drawn to recipes that used unique ingredients and flavors, and this one seemed to fit the bill perfectly. The combination of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and sesame seeds intrigued me, and I couldn't wait to see how it all came together.

I had never made anything quite like this before, so I gathered all of the necessary ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. As I peeled the garlic and drained the chickpeas, I thought back to all of the different recipes that I had learned over the years.

I had acquired my love of cooking from my own grandmother, who was an amazing cook in her own right. She had taught me how to make everything from homemade pasta to delicious desserts, and I had always looked up to her as a culinary inspiration.

In addition to my grandmother's recipes, I had also learned a lot from my friends and neighbors over the years. Whenever I tried a new dish that I loved, I would always ask for the recipe and make it my own. This constant exchange of recipes and ideas had helped me to develop my own unique cooking style, and I was always on the lookout for new recipes to try.

As I blended the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic together in the food processor, the aroma of the ingredients filled the kitchen. I added a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and when I tasted the finished dip, I was blown away by how delicious it was.

The creamy texture of the chickpeas mixed perfectly with the nutty flavor of the tahini, and the lemon juice added a bright, citrusy note that brought everything together. The sesame seeds added a nice crunch and a hint of toasty flavor that really set the dip apart.

I couldn't wait to share this new recipe with my friends and family, and I knew that it would become a staple in my cooking repertoire. As I sat down to enjoy a bowl of the Sesame Chickpea Dip with some fresh pita bread, I thought about all of the different recipes that had shaped me into the cook that I was today.

From my grandmother's old-fashioned recipes to the modern twists that I had picked up from friends and neighbors, each dish had played a part in helping me to develop my own unique cooking style. And as I savored each bite of the delicious dip, I knew that I would continue to seek out new recipes and flavors to add to my ever-growing collection. Cooking was not just a hobby for me, it was a passion, and I couldn't wait to see where it would take me next.