Hummus with Pita Bread

hummus_with_pita_bread

Hummus is a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dish that is made from chickpeas, tahini or pureed sesame seeds, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. It has become increasingly popular around the world in recent years, and for good reason. Hummus is a healthy and delicious dip that is full of protein and healthy fats, and it is incredibly versatile. You can use it as a dip for vegetables or pita bread, as a spread on sandwiches or wraps, or as a topping for salads or bowls.

In this recipe, we are going to show you how to make hummus from scratch, using a few simple ingredients that you can find in any Middle Eastern market or grocery store. We will also show you how to make pita bread, which is the perfect accompaniment to hummus.

To start, you will need some dried chickpeas. You can soak them overnight or use canned chickpeas if you prefer. If you are using dried chickpeas, make sure to rinse them well and remove any small stones or debris. Then, place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the chickpeas simmer for 1-2 hours, or until they are soft and tender.

Once the chickpeas are cooked, drain them and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a food processor or blender. Add the tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Blend everything together until you have a smooth and creamy texture. If the hummus is too thick, you can add a few tablespoons of water to thin it out.

Next, we will show you how to make pita bread, which is the perfect accompaniment to hummus. Pita bread is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, and it is very easy to make at home. To start, you will need some flour, yeast, salt, sugar, and water. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Then, slowly add in the water, mixing everything together until you have a smooth and elastic dough.

Knead the dough for a few minutes, then let it rest for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 450°F. Cut the dough into small pieces, then roll each piece out into a thin circle. Place the circles onto a baking sheet, and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they puff up and turn golden brown.

Once your hummus and pita bread are ready, it’s time to serve! Cut the pita bread into small triangles, then spread some hummus onto each one. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or chopped parsley, and enjoy.

In conclusion, this Middle Eastern hummus with pita bread recipe is a healthy and delicious snack or meal that is perfect for anyone who loves Mediterranean cuisine. The hummus is full of flavor and protein, while the pita bread is light and airy. It’s a great way to try something new and expand your palate, while still enjoying the flavors and tastes you love. So why not give it a try today and see what you think?

Ingredients for Hummus:

  • 2 cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup tahini paste
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • For garnish: paprika, chopped fresh parsley, and extra olive oil

Ingredients for Pita Bread:

  • 3 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon of instant yeast
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups of warm water
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil
  • Additional flour for kneading

Instructions for Hummus:

  1. Place the chickpeas, tahini paste, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin in a food processor or blender. Pulse until the mixture is combined but still slightly chunky.

  2. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the hummus is smooth and creamy.

  3. Season the hummus with salt and pepper to taste.

  4. Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and sprinkle with paprika, parsley, and additional olive oil. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Instructions for Pita Bread:

  1. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.

  2. Add the warm water and olive oil to the bowl and stir until the ingredients come together to form a shaggy dough.

  3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

  4. Place the dough in a clean, oiled bowl and cover with a damp towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 hour.

  5. Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C).

  6. Divide the dough into 8 pieces and roll each piece out into a 1/4 inch-thick circle.

  7. Place the circles of dough on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes until the breads are puffy and lightly browned.

  8. Serve the warm pita bread with the hummus or store in a sealed bag for up to 3 days.