Dive into the rich, creamy goodness of Classic Iraqi Hummus, a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. This versatile dip combines the earthy flavors of chickpeas with the tanginess of tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Perfect for serving as an appetizer, side dish, or a snack, this hummus will bring a taste of Iraq to your table and leave you craving more.
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Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes (if using dried chickpeas)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 6
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
Ingredients
- 400g (14oz) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 250g dried chickpeas, cooked)
- 60ml (1/4 cup) tahini
- 60ml (1/4 cup) fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 60ml (1/4 cup) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 60ml (1/4 cup) cold water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Paprika (for garnish)
- Pita bread or fresh vegetables, for serving
Method of Preparation
- If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight in cold water. Drain and rinse, then cook in a pot of boiling water for 1-2 hours until tender. Drain and set aside to cool.
- If using canned chickpeas, simply drain and rinse them well.
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- With the processor running, slowly add the olive oil, ground cumin, and salt. Continue processing until the mixture is well-blended and creamy.
- Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the hummus reaches your desired consistency. It should be smooth and slightly fluffy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or lemon juice as needed.
- Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Drizzle with additional olive oil and garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of paprika.
- Serve with warm pita bread or fresh vegetables like cucumber, carrot sticks, and bell pepper slices.
Tips for Culinary Success
- For an ultra-smooth hummus, remove the skins from the chickpeas before blending.
- Use ice-cold water when blending to achieve a lighter, creamier texture.
- Customize your hummus by adding roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Can I make hummus ahead of time? A: Yes, hummus can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Q: Can I freeze hummus? A: Yes, hummus freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Q: What can I do if my hummus is too thick? A: If your hummus is too thick, add a bit more cold water or olive oil and blend until you reach the desired consistency.
Experience the creamy and flavorful delight of Classic Iraqi Hummus, a perfect addition to any meal or gathering. This easy-to-make recipe will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire, offering a taste of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine that's both healthy and delicious. Enjoy the rich blend of chickpeas, tahini, and spices, and elevate your snacking game to a whole new level.