Hummus Beiruti (with Parsley, Garlic, Chili)

Chickpeas: These are the base of the hummus, providing a creamy texture and nutty flavor.

Tahini: A paste made from ground sesame seeds, adding a rich, nutty taste.

Garlic: Adds a pungent, savory flavor to the hummus.

Parsley: Fresh herb that brings a bright, slightly peppery taste.

Lemon juice: Provides acidity and freshness, balancing the flavors.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the hummus.

Chili flakes: Adds a touch of heat and spice.

Olive oil: Used to blend the hummus to a smooth consistency and adds a fruity, rich flavor.

To achieve a smoother texture for your hummus, make sure to peel the chickpeas before blending. This extra step removes the outer skin, resulting in a creamier consistency. Simply rub the chickpeas between your hands or use a clean kitchen towel to loosen and remove the skins.

• chickpeas - Substitute with white beans: White beans have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making them a good alternative to chickpeas in hummus.

• tahini - Substitute with sunflower seed butter: Sunflower seed butter provides a similar nutty flavor and creamy consistency as tahini.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can replace the pungency of garlic.

• parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro has a fresh, vibrant flavor that can stand in for parsley in hummus.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and brightness to the dish as lemon juice.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• chili flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper offers a similar level of heat and can be used in place of chili flakes.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and mild flavor, making it a good alternative to olive oil.

• To store your Hummus Beiruti, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.
• Place a thin layer of olive oil on top of the hummus before sealing the container. This acts as a barrier, keeping the hummus moist and preventing it from drying out.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. Your hummus should stay fresh for up to 5-7 days.
• If you want to freeze your Hummus Beiruti, portion it into smaller, freezer-safe containers. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need.
• Leave some space at the top of each container before sealing, as the hummus will expand slightly when frozen.
• Label each container with the date of freezing. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored.
• When you're ready to enjoy your frozen hummus, transfer a container from the freezer to the refrigerator. Allow it to thaw slowly overnight.
• Once thawed, give the hummus a good stir to reincorporate any separated olive oil and restore its creamy texture.
• If the hummus seems a bit dry after thawing, you can add a small amount of lemon juice or olive oil to refresh it.
• Enjoy your Hummus Beiruti with fresh pita bread or crunchy veggies for a delightful snack or appetizer.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the hummus to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Heat on medium power for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
  4. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top before serving to enhance the flavor and texture.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place the hummus in a small saucepan.
  2. Add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent it from drying out.
  3. Warm over low heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches the desired temperature.
  4. Garnish with additional parsley or chili flakes if desired.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the hummus in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
  5. Stir well before serving and add a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.

• Double Boiler Method:

  1. Fill a pot with a few inches of water and bring to a simmer.
  2. Place a heatproof bowl with the hummus over the pot, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
  3. Stir occasionally until the hummus is warmed through.
  4. This gentle method helps maintain the creamy texture without the risk of burning.

• Food processor: Essential for blending the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and chili flakes into a smooth mixture.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the tahini and olive oil accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the lemon juice, salt, and chili flakes precisely.

• Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves efficiently.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping the fresh parsley.

• Chef's knife: Ideal for chopping the parsley and mincing the garlic.

• Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the food processor to ensure everything is well-blended.

• Serving bowl: Perfect for presenting the finished hummus.

• Pita bread: Commonly served alongside hummus for dipping.

• Vegetable platter: Great for arranging veggies to serve with the hummus.

Use canned chickpeas: Save time by using canned chickpeas instead of cooking dried ones from scratch.

Pre-minced garlic: Opt for pre-minced garlic to cut down on prep time.

Food processor efficiency: Ensure your food processor is ready and clean to quickly blend ingredients.

Batch prep: Make a larger batch and store extra hummus in the fridge for quick future use.

Pre-chopped parsley: Buy pre-chopped parsley or chop it in advance to save time during assembly.