I did a Lebanese cuisine theme last month where I posted about pita bread, falafel and labneh. I was so tempted to replace labneh with Hummus but then I saved it for this month’s protein rich theme. Hummus is a tasty and healthy alternative to the not-so-low calorie cheese and butter. I can have it with practically anything, be it vegetables or bread or breadsticks. The main ingredient in hummus is chickpeas / garbanzo beans / kabuli chana. The beans with some tahini / sesame seed paste and olive oil brings a beautiful explosion of flavours in your mouth when you bite into a hummus dipped pita. Now it is easily available in supermarkets but making it for yourself is so simple that I would think it almost criminal to buy. Except when it is a mid morning craving, of course  – then all rules fly through the window.
There are many variations to the hummus. Beetroot hummus and red pepper hummus are quite popular. My dish, here, is the classic hummus without any additional flavour. So here goes –
Protein – Chickpeas / Kabuli Chana
Recipe adapted from here
Makes one large cup
WHAT WE NEED
Chickpeas            1 cup
Extra virgin olive oil   2 tbsp
Tahini                1 1/2 tbsp
Lemon juice          1 tbsp
Garlic                1 clove
Salt                   1/2 tsp or to taste
WHAT TO DO
- Soak the chickpeas in 3 cups of water for 6 hours or overnight. If you are using canned chickpeas then you can skip the soaking and cooking of the chickpeas
- Drain the water and pressure cook the chickpeas with 2 cups of water for 3 whistles. Let it cool
- If you have the time and patience, pinch the outer skin of the chickpeas to make a smoother hummus. If you sit with the chickpeas in front of the TV, it takes about the time for one episode of your favourite show. ( I am binge watching Suits these days).
- Transfer the chickpeas to a blender.
- Add all the other ingredients to the blender – extra virgin olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, garlic clove and salt
- Blend for around a minute. Taste to see if you need little more of any ingredient. Personally I added few drops of oil and lemon juice
- Scrape down the sides of the blender jar and blend again for a smooth paste
- Transfer it to a bowl
- Enjoy with pita or vegetables or any other snack of your choice
- It can be used for one week if stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container
This is my post for Day 4 of the Mega Marathon under ‘Protein Rich Dishes’.
Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing BM# 80
The classic hummus is a pure bliss and can’t beat the variations. We love adding some cumin seeds and chili flakes to make it the extra zingy. A perfect protein rich dish.
Classic dishes never go out of fashion 🙂 And I can see another proteinicious dish there in the final pic ! I am guessing its falafel !
Omg, that sandwich with falafel is definitely a real torture, too tempting. Hummus looks absolutely prefect with fantastic texture.
I agree with Kalyani. Even though there are flavored hummus, my first goto option is always the classic one. I those these with chips, pita and as a dressing as well. Great share sowmya.
That last pic has left me with a huge craving!! Such a classic dish!! Super share…
Indeed Hummus is a protein rich dish.. Love it with Pita bread..
I always have to make hummus at home as we don’t get ready made one here. Love to use it not only with falafel but also as a dip with veggies and to spread on bread instead of butter. Falafels look so tempting.
This classic hummus is our favorite and the last click makes me drool.
When the Protein Rich theme was announced Hummus was the first thing I thought , in fact I have a hummus related post in my pic collection . This is the best Protein I personally enjoy . I can finish that creamy Rich bowl , all at one go ! Looks super super delicious .
Definitely nothing can beat the taste of classic dishes
What a tempting bowl of hummus. That final picture is looking so delicious. What ever the variations be, the classical one remains hot favourite..
Ah I love and the final pic with the pita and falafil looks so yum!
Thank you so much
Looks awesome Sowmya. This surely makes a wonderful dip and I enjoyed it so much when I had made it. Pita bread with falafel and hummus makes a great meal.
Classics are everlasting ones, even when we have additions and modifications. Good to see how it was savored as well!
Love your hummus dip… its mine fav.
Beautifully done Sowmya, We love hummus and yours is delicious. The last pic has me drooling too much for a person who cannot have many things.
I know I commented earlier, but I re-read ur recipe (and wanted to say – am binge watching Suits too :p) !! he he !
A perfect protein rich dip / sauce. I am yet to try this…