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LebaneseAuthentic Cuisine

Classic Hummus

Serves 4 to 6 Dip vegan, Appetizers

Classic Hummus

Classic Hummus graces the mezze tables of Beirut with its creamy presence, offering a taste of home in every scoop. It's a staple that finds its way into the heart of gatherings, whether grand or intimate, where it's crafted by hand, each ingredient added with care and precision. This recipe captures the essence of a Lebanese family kitchen, where the balance of salt and the generous use of fat are instinctively known and shared among loved ones.

The smooth, nutty tahini melds with the earthy chickpeas, while garlic provides a subtle bite. A bright splash of lemon juice lifts the flavors, and a drizzle of olive oil rounds off the richness. This hummus is not just a dish; it's an experience, inviting you to savor each mouthful with warm, crusty bread or crisp vegetables, making every meal feel like a celebration.

Ingredients

  • 400 gchickpeas — cooked
  • 3 tbsptahini
  • 2 clovesgarlic
  • 60 mllemon juice
  • 2 tbspolive oil
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Begin by preparing the chickpeas. If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess salt. If using dried chickpeas, ensure they have been soaked overnight and boiled until tender. The chickpeas should be soft enough to easily crush between your fingers.
  2. In a food processor, combine the 400 g of chickpeas and 3 tbsp of tahini. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You may need to stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed. The texture should be creamy and free of any large chunks.
  3. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in 60 ml of lemon juice. This will help to emulsify the mixture, giving it a smooth and velvety texture. The lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the tahini.
  4. Next, gradually add 2 tbsp of olive oil while the processor is still running. The olive oil will add a luxurious, silky quality to the hummus. Continue blending until the oil is fully incorporated and the hummus is smooth and glossy.
  5. Peel and crush 2 cloves of garlic, then add them to the processor. Blend until the garlic is fully incorporated into the mixture. Taste the hummus and add fine sea salt to your liking, blending briefly to combine. The salt should enhance the flavors without overpowering them.
  6. Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to settle. The hummus should be cool and slightly thickened, ready to be enjoyed with fresh bread or vegetables.
Cover of Authentic Lebanese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Lebanese Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Lebanese Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Lebanese volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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