Smoked Caviar and Hummus on Pita Toasts

Arabian Smoked Caviar and Hummus on Pita Toasts Recipe

Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Smoked Caviar and Hummus on Pita Toasts is a delicious and elegant appetizer that combines the rich flavors of smoked caviar with creamy hummus on crispy pita toasts. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or gatherings where you want to impress your guests with a sophisticated and flavorful dish.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Middle Eastern flavors. Hummus, a popular dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, has been enjoyed in the Middle East for centuries. The addition of smoked caviar adds a luxurious touch to the dish, elevating it to a gourmet appetizer that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

10 (5- to 6 inches) pita pockets
0.75 cup olive oil
2 tsp paprika

For hummus

4 tsp cumin seeds, toasted
2 (15.5 oz (439 g)) cans chick-peas, rinsed
1 garlic clove, coarsely chopped
0.33 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
0.5 cup stirred tahini (Middle Eastern sesame paste)
0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
1.5 tsp salt
0.33 to 0.5 cup water
11.5 oz (326 g) jar smoked whitefish caviar

Garnish

160 small fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

How to prepare

1) Toast the pitas.
2) Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
3) Halve the pitas horizontally and mix together the oil and paprika. Brush the rough sides of the pitas with the paprika oil and season with salt. Cut each pita round into 8 wedges and bake them in single layers on a large baking sheet in the middle of the oven for 10 minutes, or until crisp.
4) Make the hummus.
Finely grind the cumin seeds in an electric coffee/spice grinder. Puree the chickpeas in a food processor with the cumin, garlic, parsley, tahini, lemon juice, and salt. Add enough water to make it smooth.
5) Assemble the hors d'oeuvres.
Put the hummus in a pastry bag fitted with a 0.38 inch plain tip. Pipe a scant 0.5 tsp onto each pita toast and top with 0.25 tsp of caviar.

Variations

Substitute the smoked caviar with salmon roe or trout roe for a different flavor profile.
Add a sprinkle of sumac or za'atar on top of the hummus for an extra burst of flavor.
Top the pita toasts with fresh herbs like dill or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to toast the pita rounds until they are crispy to provide a sturdy base for the hummus and caviar.

- Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them will enhance their flavor and aroma.

- Use a pastry bag to pipe the hummus onto the pita toasts for a neat and professional presentation.

- Be generous with the caviar topping to add a burst of flavor and texture to each bite.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Smoked Caviar and Hummus on Pita Toasts as an elegant appetizer at your next dinner party or special occasion. Pair it with a glass of champagne or white wine for a sophisticated touch.

Cooking Techniques

Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them will enhance their flavor and aroma.

- Use a food processor to puree the chickpeas for a smooth and creamy hummus.

- Pipe the hummus onto the pita toasts using a pastry bag for a neat and professional presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have smoked caviar, you can substitute it with salmon roe or trout roe for a similar flavor profile.

- Use store-bought hummus if you don't have time to make it from scratch.

- Substitute the pita bread with crostini or crackers for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the hummus ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Toast the pita rounds in advance and store them in an airtight container until ready to assemble the dish.

- Pipe the hummus onto the pita toasts just before serving to ensure they stay crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the pita toasts on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley leaves for a pop of color. - Serve the appetizer on a decorative serving tray or board for an elegant presentation. - Place the caviar in a small bowl on the side for guests to add as much as they like.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Smoked Caviar and Hummus on Pita Toasts with a glass of champagne or sparkling wine for a festive touch.

- Pair the dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

- Offer a selection of olives, nuts, and cheeses on the side for a complete appetizer spread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Store the pita toasts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the pita toasts in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes to crisp them up before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Smoked Caviar and Hummus on Pita Toasts contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie appetizer that is perfect for those watching their calorie intake.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Smoked Caviar and Hummus on Pita Toasts contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of the carbohydrates come from the chickpeas in the hummus and the pita bread.

Fats

This dish is rich in healthy fats from the olive oil, sesame paste, and caviar. Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of fat, with the majority coming from the olive oil and sesame paste.

Proteins

Smoked Caviar and Hummus on Pita Toasts is a good source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 8 grams. The protein comes from the chickpeas in the hummus and the caviar.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is packed with vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and vitamin C. The chickpeas provide a good source of iron, while the parsley and lemon juice add vitamin C to the dish.

Alergens

This recipe contains sesame paste, which may be a common allergen for some individuals. It is important to check for any allergies before serving this dish to guests.

Summary

Overall, Smoked Caviar and Hummus on Pita Toasts is a nutritious and flavorful appetizer that is rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for those looking for a gourmet dish that is both delicious and satisfying.

Summary

Smoked Caviar and Hummus on Pita Toasts is a delicious and elegant appetizer that combines the rich flavors of smoked caviar with creamy hummus on crispy pita toasts. This dish is perfect for special occasions or gatherings where you want to impress your guests with a sophisticated and flavorful dish. Serve it with a glass of champagne or white wine for a festive touch, and enjoy the luxurious flavors of this gourmet appetizer.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Patterson, at her beautiful beach house. We had spent the morning lounging by the pool and catching up on each other's lives. As the afternoon sun began to dip towards the horizon, Mrs. Patterson suggested we take a stroll along the beach before dinner.

As we walked along the sandy shore, the salty sea breeze tickled our noses and the sound of waves crashing against the shore filled our ears. Mrs. Patterson told me she had a special treat in store for dinner, something she had recently discovered while on a trip to the Mediterranean. I was intrigued and eager to learn more.

When we returned to the house, Mrs. Patterson led me into the kitchen, where she unveiled her secret recipe for Smoked Caviar and Hummus on Pita Toasts. I had never tried caviar before, let alone smoked caviar, and I was excited to taste this exotic dish. Mrs. Patterson explained that she had learned the recipe from a local chef during her travels and had since perfected it to suit her own tastes.

The first step was to prepare the hummus, a creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Mrs. Patterson showed me how to mix the ingredients together in a food processor until smooth and creamy. The aroma of garlic and lemon filled the air, and my mouth watered in anticipation.

Next, we carefully spread the hummus onto small squares of toasted pita bread, creating a base for the smoked caviar. Mrs. Patterson explained that the smoked caviar added a rich, smoky flavor to the dish and would complement the creamy hummus perfectly. I watched in awe as she delicately spooned the caviar onto the pita toasts, creating a beautiful, elegant presentation.

As we sat down to enjoy our creation, Mrs. Patterson poured us each a glass of chilled white wine to accompany the dish. The combination of flavors was exquisite – the creamy hummus, the smoky caviar, and the crisp pita toasts all melded together in perfect harmony. I savored each bite, relishing the unique and luxurious taste of the smoked caviar.

After dinner, Mrs. Patterson shared the recipe with me, writing it down on a small index card for me to take home. I thanked her profusely for introducing me to this culinary delight and promised to make it for my own family and friends. From that day on, Smoked Caviar and Hummus on Pita Toasts became a staple in my repertoire of recipes.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, always with fond memories of that summer day at Mrs. Patterson's beach house. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, impressing them with the exotic flavors and elegant presentation. Each time I make it, I am transported back to that moment of discovery, when I first tasted the indulgent combination of smoked caviar and creamy hummus on crispy pita toasts.

As I sit here now, writing this story for my grandchildren to read, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and friendships that have enriched my life. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to connect with others and share the joys of good food. And the recipe for Smoked Caviar and Hummus on Pita Toasts will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the day I learned something new and delicious from a dear friend.