Hummus with Pita Toast – a protein-packed bean spread that is as delicious as it is healthy! In fact, hummus is one of the most widely consumed Middle Eastern foods in the United States today. The method of eating hummus usually involves dipping pita bread, flatbread, crackers or tortilla chips into the hummus mix. The savory dip is just irresistible and with just a few simple steps, you can make creamy smooth hummus at home
Hummus is made from chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans) that have been cooked until tender and then mashed. Chickpeas, which are the base of nearly all hummus recipes, are high in protein which can help to make you feel full after consuming them. Never feel guilty about enjoying hummus!
- 2 cups or 1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans (chick peas), drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup Tahini (sesame seed paste)*
- 1/3 cup lemon juice, fresh-squeezed
- 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 cup parsley leaves, finely-minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seed oil or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground sumac or paprika (for garnish)
- 3/4 cup butter, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons parsley, minced
- 1 tablespoon chives, fresh, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, fresh-squeezed
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- 6 rounds pita bread
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In a food processor or blender, place garbanzo beans, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt; blend until pureed. If the consistency is too thick, add some water. Remove to bowl; mix in parsley and sesame seed oil. Refrigerate for several hours.
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Before serving, remove from refrigerator 1/2 hour before serving. Spread onto a shallow plate, swirling top with the back of a spoon (gently shake the plate to level the hummus). Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle sumac or paprika over the top. Serve with Pita Toasts (below), toasted pita bread triangles, bread triangles, and/or raw vegetable for dipping.
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VARIATION: For an interesting variation, substitute black bean or cannellini beans (Northern beans). Also substitute minced basil leaves for the parsley. Four ounces of minced roasted peppers may also be added.
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Makes about 3 cups.
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Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
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In a medium bowl, cream together butter, parsley, chives, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper; let mixture stand, covered, for at least 1 hour.
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Halve each pita bread horizontally; separate each half into 4 pieces.
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Spread the inside of each piece with butter mixture. Arrange pita on greased baking sheet in one layer. Bake in oven for approximately 5 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp. Remove from oven and transfer pita toasts to bread dish.
* Tahini is a key ingredient in hummus, the traditional Middle Eastern chickpea spread. Look for the lightest colored raw Tahini you can find when making any hummus recipe. When you open the can or jar of tahini, you will see that the oil has separated and risen to the top. You must stir before using to even out the consistency. Depending on the brand of your Tahini and your taste, you might need to add little less or more Tahini. If necessary, start with less than 1/4 cup (like 2 to 3 tablespoons) and gradually adjust accordingly.