Palestinian Hummus
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Ah, Hummus, originating from the heart of the Middle East, this delicious dish has transcended borders to become a beloved global favourite.
It is a creamy and flavourful dip that combines a handful of simple ingredients such as; chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice and garlic, that form the base of this mouth-watering appetiser.
Its smooth texture and rich taste make it a perfect accompaniment for pita bread or a healthy dip for your prepped vegetables.
While every Middle Eastern country has their own version of this classic, this is my version. It's simple
and easy to follow, and if you didn't know, it's also healthier and more cost-effective to make it at home, I share some reasons why, right at the very end.
I have chosen to title this recipe "Palestinian Hummus," to show my continued solidarity with the people of Palestine, and to give honour to something delicious that is part of their culture, which is sadly being wiped out. I will also continue to use my social media platforms to advocate for their freedom.
"From The River To The Sea,
Palestine Will Be Free!"
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| [Picture Credit - @bilalsoorty via Instagram Stories] |
Oh Palestine, how our hearts are with you, not a moment passes by that we
do not think and pray for you. While I can go on about what's been
happening in Palestine right now and since 1948, there are amazing humans
on the ground, risking their lives to show us their current situation. I
urge you to please follow these amazing journalists.
Day in and day out there are heartbreaking pictures and videos that leave
us speechless and in tears. They sadly cannot honour and mourn their loved
ones who have passed in peace. **Instead they are forced to share evidence
of the turmoil**, so their pain and the gen*cide they're experiencing is
documented in detail.
It has been over a month and the horrors have not slowed down. Our eyes
have opened to how many people are still being oppressed in 2023. How
colonisation, ethnic cleansing and apartheid is not a thing of the past.
That the history we learn is not as old as we'd like to believe but some
of it is happening live at this very moment. History repeats itself
because humans don't learn their lessons.
The Palestinians have united so many people from different walks of life,
they have taught us to open our eyes, stand up for what's right, to not be
afraid, to not be blinded by rich lies, to pray, to keep speaking up, to
be grateful, and never ever lose our faith.
In the words of Ginetta Sagan -
"Silence in the face of injusticeis complicity with the oppressor."
Why Do I Share The Same Method Twice?
The first is with step-by-step pictures which are easy to follow, and right after I share the exact same method again just minus the pictures.
Having a method with images is to provide some visual guidance for
whoever may need it while making this recipe.
Palestinian Hummus TikTok
What is Za'atar?
A delightful melange of dried herbs like thyme, oregano, and marjoram, combined with toasted sesame seeds and sumac.
What is Sumac?
A staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, sumac adds a distinctive, tart flavour that brightens up salads, meats, and rice.
Beyond culinary applications, sumac also offers potential health benefits due to its antioxidant properties. It's a versatile and exotic spice that elevates the flavours of various dishes with its vibrant taste.
What is Tahini?
Tahini is a creamy and versatile paste made from finely ground sesame seeds. Its distinctive nutty flavour and slightly bitter undertones make it a cherished staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
Whether used to elevate the richness of Hummus, create detectable salad dressings, and sauces, or as a flavourful spread, tahini adds depth and character to dishes.
It's a nutritious ingredient, rich in healthy fats and protein, making it a popular health-conscious choice.
Ingredients
1 Tin (400g) Chickpeas (keep a handful for the topping)
2 -3 Tbsp Tahini
1/2 Lemon (Juice)
2 -3 Garlic Cloves
3 - 4 Ice Cubes
Topping Ingredients
50g (Leftover) Chickpeas
1/4 Cucumber - Diced
1 Small Red Onion - Diced
1 Small Tomato - Sliced (you can use cocktail tomatoes)
Fresh Parsley
Toasted Almond Slices
Sprinkle of Paprika
Sprinkle of Za'atar
Sprinkle of Sumac
1/3 Cup Palestinian Olive Oil
Handful Pompergante Beads
1/4 Cucumber - Diced
1 Small Red Onion - Diced
1 Small Tomato - Sliced (you can use cocktail tomatoes)
Fresh Parsley
Toasted Almond Slices
Sprinkle of Paprika
Sprinkle of Za'atar
Sprinkle of Sumac
1/3 Cup Palestinian Olive Oil
Handful Pompergante Beads
Method With Step-By-Step Pictures
2. Next, add 2 -3 Tbsp tahini paste.
Method
- Drain and give the tinned chickpeas a quick rinse, before adding it to a food processor. If you want your hummus to be extra smooth, remove all the chickpea skins (I did not).
- Next, add 2 -3 Tbsp tahini paste.
- Add in the juice of 1/2 a lemon, this provided most of the liquid, to help blend the mixture. You can add some olive oil, but I did not.
- Next, add in 2 - 3 garlic cloves.
- Now add in some 3 - 4 ice cubes, this will make the hummus all creamy.
- Blend it all together for 2 -3 minutes. You may need to scrape down the edges but continue blending till it's all smooth and creamy.
- Scoop out your hummus onto a plate or board, spread it around evenly, and using the back of the tablespoon gently make a spiral design starting from the middle and going outwards. This will help hold onto the oil that you'll pour-over.
- Finally, it's time to top your Palestinian Hummus with all your prepped toppings. Start off by pouring the Palestinian olive oil over your hummus and top away. There is no wrong way to do this, and you can use whatever toppings you prefer.
- Serve with some Palestinian Pita Bread, this pairs beautifully with the loaded Palestinian Hummus.
Pin It
It is so easy to pin a recipe you like right onto your Pinterest
boards.
Simply click on the picture,
and it will open up to your Pinterest,
where you can save the image
and recipe link to any board automatically.
I hope you enjoy this
Palestinian Hummus recipe.
I've shared some other
side-dish/appetiser recipes before,
if you'd like to check them out.
here they are:
5 Reasons Why
Home-Made Hummus Is Both
Healthier And
Cost-Effective?
1. Quality Ingredients:
When making hummus at home, you can select high-quality, fresh ingredients. This means using real, unprocessed chickpeas, fresh lemon juice, and good-quality tahini without added preservatives or artificial additives, resulting in a healthier dip.
2. Control Over Ingredients:
Making hummus at home gives you full control over the ingredients, allowing you to adjust salt, garlic, and other flavours to your liking. You can customize it to suit your dietary needs and preferences.
3. Healthy Fats:
You can use heart-healthy extra-virgin olive oil in homemade hummus. Many store-bought varieties may use less desirable oils, so you can ensure a better balance of fats.
4. No Artificial Additives:
Homemade hummus is free from artificial additives, colourings, and stabilizers that are often present in commercial versions, making it a more natural and nutritious option.
5. Cost Savings:
Preparing hummus at home is typically more economical than buying pre-packaged versions. Buying ingredients in bulk and making larger batches can result in significant cost savings, especially if you enjoy hummus regularly.
2 comments
I also do not prefer salt in my hummus, but a little could be added according to one's preference. But DO Add a teaspoon of cumin(jeera) powder into your hummus before blending it.
ReplyDeleteYou will edit your recipe to include it as soon as you give it a try!
Salt is always one of those ingredients that it really depends on the person's taste buds. Hmm cumin powder, I'm curious now. I will definitely give it a try the next time I whip up some hummus. Thank you for the comment and the suggestion :)
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