Heavenly Mediterranean Chickpea Hummus Recipe
I invite you to take a culinary journey with me to the beautiful Mediterranean region through my sumptuous recipe for Chickpea Hummus. This easy hummus recipe is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine, known for its health benefits and delicious flavor. As a chef, I have traveled widely and tasted various Hummus in different countries, but I must admit, there is no better taste of the Mediterranean Hummus than homemade. This recipe showcases the natural bounty of ingredients that are readily available in your kitchen cabinets, yet produce an exotic dish that is perfect for all occasions.
In the spirit of the famous quote by renowned Chef Julia Child, “No one is born a great cook, one learns by doing,” I have designed this recipe as a step-by-step guide that makes it easy to put together even if you’re not an experienced cook. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining family and friends, this hummus dip will surely impress and tantalize every palate.
We all know that hummus is a simple blend of chickpeas, tahini paste, olive oil, lemon juice, and some seasonings. Still, acquiring the perfect balance can be tricky without detailed instructions. Therefore, in this hummus recipe article, I provide tips and tricks on making this creamy chickpea dip packed with flavor using local ingredients you can find in any grocery store.
As we explore this recipe together, I hope to not only inspire your culinary passion but also introduce you to the beauty and simplicity of traditional Mediterranean dishes. So let’s roll up our sleeves; break out your food processor or blender because we are about to delve into the world of making delicious hummus from scratch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mediterranean Chickpea Hummus recipe is one that you’ll definitely want to add to your culinary repertoire. Not only is it a delicious and healthy snack, it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. Who doesn’t love a recipe that’s both delicious and effortless?
What’s more, this recipe is made with ingredients that are easily accessible and affordable. You won’t have to scour the earth for ingredients or spend a ton of money at the grocery store. You can actually make this hummus dip with items you probably already have in your pantry.
But best of all, this recipe combines flavors that will transport you straight to the beaches of the Mediterranean. With its aromatic spices, creamy texture, and tangy lemon juice, this hummus is sure to wow your taste buds.
If you’re looking for a dish that’ll impress your guests or just want to add some variety to your everyday snacking routine, give this Mediterranean Chickpea Hummus recipe a try. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you need to make this Mediterranean Chickpea Hummus Recipe:
Chickpeas
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup dried chickpeas, cooked (see note)
Garlic
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 clove garlic, peeled
Tahini
- 1/4 cup tahini paste
Olive Oil
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Lemon Juice
- Juice of 1 freshly squeezed lemon
Spices
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
Water
- ½ to ¾ cup water
Optional Add-Ons
- ½ cup diced or canned roasted red peppers
- Pine nuts for garnishing
Note: If you’d like to use dried chickpeas in this recipe, soak them overnight and cook for about an hour with a teaspoon of baking soda added into three cups of water. Drain and rinse the chickpeas and use in the recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Let’s dive into the heart of the matter and learn how to make this delectable Mediterranean Chickpea Hummus Recipe. The hummus is incredibly easy to prepare, taking less than 10 minutes of preparation time.
Ingredients
First up, you’ll need to gather necessary ingredients:
Ingredients:
3 cupscooked or cannedchickpeas,drained and rinsed1 1/4 cupstahini paste4 clovesgarlic, peeled and minced2 tspsalt1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice1/2 cupextra-virgin olive oil2 tbspground cumin2 tbspground coriander1/4 tspcayenne pepper1 tspsoya sauce1/4 cupwater
Instructions
These instructions will help you make a delicious Mediterranean Chickpea Hummus:
Step 1: In a food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, garlic, salt, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, and soya sauce. Blend until creamy.
Step 2: Gradually add water to achieve your desired consistency. Continue processing until well combined.
Step 3: Transfer the finished hummus to a bowl or serving platter.
Step 4: Drizzle with additional olive oil and garnish with pine nuts or diced tomatoes if desired.
Step 5: Chill for at least an hour before serving.
Cooking Tips
Here are some tips that might be useful in creating this flavorful hummus:
- rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly before use.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled for a brighter flavor.
- Add more or less water as desired to create your preferred consistency.
- Drizzle olive oil on top before storing in a lidded container in the fridge for up to five days.
Enjoy the dip best served on a baguette sandwich or with some crunchy veggies as a healthy snack!
Substitutions and Variations
Now, I know that not everyone has access to the same ingredients or might have dietary restrictions. That’s why I’ve included some substitutions and variations for you to try out.
First of all, if you don’t have chickpeas on hand, you can use other legumes like black beans, cannellini beans or edamame. You could even use roasted eggplant or butternut squash as a base and blend it with tahini and olive oil for a unique twist on hummus.
If you want to spice things up, try adding some cayenne pepper or paprika for an extra kick. You could also experiment with different spices like ground coriander or cumin. Additionally, soy sauce can add depth of flavor instead of salt.
For those avoiding tahini due to nut allergies, sunflower seed butter is a great alternative.
If you’re feeling adventurous, add some chopped roasted red peppers or kalamata olives for a Mediterranean twist. Pine nuts or pomegranate seeds make great toppings!
Another fun variation is to stuff sweet potatoes with this delicious hummus as a tasty and healthy dinner option. The options are endless!
So feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own. Trust me, once you try this Mediterranean Chickpea Hummus recipe, you’re going to want to experiment with all kinds of flavors and ingredients!
Serving and Pairing
Oh! The joy of serving a beautiful Mediterranean chickpea hummus recipe at a gathering! Whether you’re entertaining guests or just going for a picnic, there are many ways to present and serve this delicious hummus.
One of my favorite ways of serving hummus is to create a beautiful hummus bowl with all the toppings. I start by spreading out the hummus onto a plate, and then adding some garnishing touches like extra virgin olive oil drizzled on top, toasted pine nuts, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and chopped parsley. This makes for both a stunning centerpiece and a satisfying dish.
For an easy snack, try using this hummus as a dip with pita chips. The creaminess of the hummus pairs perfectly with the crunchy texture of the chips, and it’s perfect for munching on while entertaining guests or during movie night.
But that’s not all – this hummus can also be used as an ingredient in other recipes. Try adding it to your salad dressing as a creamy base or use it as a spread on sandwiches or wraps. It is also an excellent accompaniment to roasted vegetables such as sweet potatoes.
And oh! let’s not forget about pairing hummus with other dishes! Mediterranean chickpea hummus recipe pairs perfectly with fresh veggies like carrots, celery sticks, radishes, and baby cucumbers. If you’re looking for something more substantial, try serving it alongside roasted chicken, shawarma meat, or grilled fish.
No matter how you decide to serve your hummus, its flavors will always shine through – creamy yet zesty with undertones of cumin and coriander. It’s truly a versatile dish that will become your go-to!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Darling, let’s talk about how you can store and reheat your Mediterranean Chickpea Hummus. Trust me, this recipe is so easy to make and now it gets even better as it stays good for up to a week when stored correctly. The next time you throw a party or plan a get-together, make-ahead this hummus dip and truly enjoy the moment as it is enjoyed by all.
To make-ahead, simply prepare the hummus dip as mentioned in the recipe in advance, cover with plastic wrap or an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. This would even work better if you give it some hours to sit in the refrigerator before serving so that all the flavors get a chance to meld together.
Storing your Mediterranean hummus couldn’t be easier – just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to seven days. You can also freeze it if you’re looking for longer storage (up to six months). Just remember that olive oil solidifies when it freezes, so don’t worry if you see some separation after thawing – simply stir well with a spoon or fork.
When reheating, I always prefer not to use the microwave oven as it can compromise the creamy texture of your hummus. Instead, place your hummus dip in an oven-safe bowl, drizzle with little water and cover tightly with a lid or aluminum foil to lock in moisture. Then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
I hope these tips help you enjoy your homemade Mediterranean Chickpea Hummus again and again, without any concerns over storage or reheating methods.
Tips for Perfect Results
As an Israeli chef, I have learned many useful tips and tricks over the years for achieving perfect results when making Mediterranean Chickpea Hummus. Here are a few tips to help you get that creamy texture and delicious taste every time.
Firstly, one of the most important things to keep in mind when making hummus is to use fresh ingredients. For instance, when it comes to garlic, you’ll want to use cloves that are plump and firm, with no green shoots sprouting out from the top. Similarly, freshly squeezed lemon juice will give your hummus a bright citrusy flavor that cannot be replicated by bottled juice.
Secondly, let’s talk about the chickpeas. If you’re using canned chickpeas, make sure to rinse them thoroughly under cold water before using them in your recipe. This will help wash away any excess salt or other additives that may affect the flavor of your finished dish.
Alternatively, if you’re using dried chickpeas (a favorite among many chefs), I recommend soaking them overnight in plenty of water along with a teaspoon of baking soda. This will help soften the skins and reduce cooking time.
Another tip is to use high-quality tahini paste. Some of my favorite brands include Trader Joe’s and Soom Foods. Not all tahini is created equal – some can be too bitter or too thin in texture, which can throw off the balance of flavors in your hummus.
In addition, don’t skimp on the extra virgin olive oil – it adds depth and richness to your hummus. Be sure to drizzle some on top before serving as well!
Finally, make sure to taste your hummus frequently as you prepare it. Adjust seasonings as needed based on your personal preferences. Remember that hummus should be savory and slightly tangy, with just a hint of sweetness.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make delicious Mediterranean Chickpea Hummus that will rival even the best restaurant versions. Enjoy!
FAQ
As I’m sure you are excited to try this Mediterranean Chickpea Hummus recipe, you might have some questions or concerns about the ingredients or the process. Fear not, as I have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their answers to help guide you through any challenges that may arise. Let’s go over some common queries about this hummus recipe below.
Is hummus OK for Mediterranean Diet?
Hummus is a popular Mediterranean Diet dish that is rich in healthy fats, particularly from the use of olive oil. The spread is a great source of nutrition as it has a low glycemic index and contains minimal levels of saturated fat. Its consumption is believed to aid in preventing a range of diseases and health conditions, just like many other staples of the Mediterranean Diet.
Should you cook chickpeas before making hummus?
When making hummus, some recipes call for boiled chickpeas while others suggest soaking them. Boiling is often the preferred method when using canned chickpeas, but if you are using dried chickpeas, then soaking or cooking is necessary to achieve the desired texture.
What is Mediterranean hummus made of?
Hummus, a popular Mediterranean dip, is commonly prepared with chickpeas and typically utilizes sesame paste, olive oil, lemon juice, and various spices like cumin and paprika. Additional ingredients, such as pepper, cilantro or pine nuts, may also be included in some hummus recipes.
Why is restaurant hummus so much better?
After investigating the secret to the exceptional taste of restaurant hummus, it turns out that combining tahini and lemon juice separately and then gradually incorporating chickpeas results in the luscious, velvety texture that I have always sought after.
Bottom Line
Suppose you have found yourself drooling over the thought of a creamy, garlicky, and lemony dip. In that case, this Mediterranean Chickpea Hummus Recipe is specially curated for you. Whether you are a plant-based food lover or just exploring the Mediterranean diet, this chickpea hummus recipe will help you tick all your checkboxes.
This easy-to-follow recipe lets you cook a restaurant-style hummus right in your kitchen. Plus, the ingredients required are readily available at your local grocery store. So, why only dream about mouth-watering hummus when you can make it yourself?
You don’t have to be an experienced chef to make this homemade hummus; it’s simple and fool-proof! With my tips and instructions on perfect results, you’ll see how effortless it is to make.
Remember, there are limitless serving and pairing options with hummus, which makes it a fun dish to experiment with. Now that I have given you this fantastic recipe, it’s time to grab some pita chips or veggies and enjoy!
So go ahead, try this Mediterranean Chickpea Hummus Recipe; trust me, it’s way better than any store-bought version. And let me know in the comment section below how your version turned out!
Mediterranean Chickpea Hummus Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 -5 cloves garlic
- 1 can chickpeas
- 1/4 cup tahini paste (sesame paste)
- 3 -4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 -4 tablespoons lemons, juice of (start with 3tbs first, if you like it a little more tart, add another spoon)
- 3/4 tablespoon soya sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 3 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or less to suit taste buds)
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Blend garlic first.
- Add chickpeas, pulse for a few times at first, then puree, adding tahini paste through the feeder.
- Add in olive oil, lemon juice, soya sauce.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add salt, cumin, coriander, cayenne, lemon juice and water.
- Blend to a smooth paste.
- Transfer to a bowl, and garnish with some chopped parsley and cilantro leaves.