Middle Eastern Hummus and Pita Chips

Name: Middle Eastern Hummus and Pita Chips
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 4 cups of tahini; 2 teaspoons of ground cumin; 2 cups of canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 1/4 cup of olive oil; Salt to taste; 4 pita breads, cut into triangles

December 21, 2024

Recipes

hummus, MiddleEast, Pita

This delightful recipe for Middle Eastern hummus paired with pita chips is one of my favorite snacks. It’s not only simple to make, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Hummus is a creamy spread made from chickpeas and tahini, while pita chips add a satisfying crunch. Let me walk you through the steps to create this yummy dish!

First, I gather all the ingredients for the hummus. Here’s what I need:

1 can (15 oz) of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
1/4 cup of tahini
2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
1-2 cloves of garlic (minced)
2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
Salt to taste
Water as needed for consistency

Next, I prepare the hummus by combining the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin in my food processor. I blend everything together until it’s well combined. If the mixture is too thick, I add a little water, one tablespoon at a time, until I achieve my desired creamy consistency. This is a great time to taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt or lemon juice if needed.

Once I’ve blended the hummus to my liking, I transfer it to a serving bowl and drizzle some extra virgin olive oil on top. I also like to sprinkle a bit of paprika or sumac for added flavor and garnish. Now, let’s move on to the pita chips!

For the pita chips, I usually start with a few pita breads. I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet. Here’s how I make the chips:

Cut each pita bread into wedges or strips.
In a bowl, I drizzle the pita pieces with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, or any spices I enjoy (like paprika or za’atar).
I lay the pita pieces flat on the baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. I keep an eye on them to ensure they become crispy but don’t burn.

Once the pita chips are golden and crispy, I remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of my labor! I serve the hummus alongside the freshly baked pita chips, perfect for dipping.

This combination of Middle Eastern hummus and pita chips is not only delicious but also nutritious. Chickpeas are a great source of protein and fiber, while olive oil adds healthy fats. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do—it’s a true classic!