Reading on BBC online, it appears that the latest conflict between Lebanon and Israel is all about hummus – please note that’s hummus not Hamas.
The delicious spread, made from chickpeas is usually blended with sesame paste, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic. It has been eaten in the Middle East for centuries, though its exact origin is unknown.
However, the Lebanese claim it as their own while the Palestinians also claim to have invented it. The rivalry has intensified as both nations attempt to produce a record-breaking vat of the stuff.
Well, I say make hummus not war and here’s a recipe that’s really simple and cheap to make. Tesco own brand make a decent tub of the stuff for a good price but making your own is very satisfying.
Hummus
Serves 2-4
Ingredients:
- 200g canned chickpeas
- 2 tbsp lemon juice or more
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- salt
- 100ml tahini (sesame seed paste)
- 4 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions:
- Drain the chickpeas and rinse. Reserve a few whole chickpeas for serving.
- Combine the chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, salt, tahini, and water in a food processor, and blend to a creamy purée.
- Add more lemon juice, garlic, cumin or salt to taste. Place into a bowl and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and scatter with the reserved chickpeas.
- Sprinkle with paprika and serve with pita bread.
Wednesday 25 November, 2009 at 10:22 am
I have to say that I do like the Tesco version, nice and tangy and I find that when I get it out and about in Zaytoon or Keshk it just doesn’t have the bite I like. Have been going on about making my own for ages so may get around to that in the near future.
Wednesday 25 November, 2009 at 10:45 am
I prefer the Tesco caramelised onion version, if you can get it. Their usual brand hurts my tongue with all the acidity!
Wednesday 25 November, 2009 at 11:02 am
I made it awhile back- the recipe called for far too much Tahini and I was left with a very heavy, dry hummus. I must give this one a go. I like it relatively runny and tangy. Can it be frozen?
Wednesday 25 November, 2009 at 11:51 am
Where can you get Tahini paste, looked in all the usual supermarkets Dunnes/Tesco/S-quinn, but couldn’t find it?
Maybe I’m looking in wrong aisle, what’s it usually with? Ta!
Wednesday 25 November, 2009 at 12:00 pm
CBB: I got it in an Asian shop on Moore Street.
Wednesday 25 November, 2009 at 12:12 pm
I usually buy Tahini paste in Middlle Eastern stores but I think I’ve seen it in Superquinn – not sure what aisle.
You can freeze hummus as long as it’s wrapped well. Hummus is already gloopy, and freezing will just make it a bit gloopier but still tasty.
Wednesday 25 November, 2009 at 12:20 pm
I recently made hummus for the first time – so cheap and easy! Before my chili plant died I used to chuck a chili in the blender too. Yum. If your hummus is too think or dry just add a little water. Works a treat.
Wednesday 25 November, 2009 at 12:48 pm
We’re about to do a blind tasting of M&S (€1.49) versus Fallon & Byrne (€4.29) hummus in the office.
I’ll keep you posted as to the results
Wednesday 25 November, 2009 at 1:28 pm
I must change jobs, we never get to do anything like that 🙁
Wednesday 25 November, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Works well with butter beans instead of chick peas. Add chilli and coriander to the mix!
Thursday 26 November, 2009 at 4:40 pm
“Reading on BBC online, it appears that the latest conflict between Lebanon and Israel is all about hummus – please note that’s hummus not Hamas.”
Bruno had that argument too.
Hummus is the ultimate food. I don’t say that lightly.
Thursday 26 November, 2009 at 8:05 pm
M&S do a fantastic Moroccan one with whole chickpeas and a sort of spicy sauce on the top.
Has anyone tasted Greek fava? It’s similar but made from puréed yellow split peas – very simple, served warm with parsley, chopped red onion and olive oil. Fab.
Friday 27 November, 2009 at 3:42 pm
I’ve had fava in Greece made with yellow lentils, very good indeed.
Lar Veale – any news on the M&S (€1.49) versus Fallon & Byrne (€4.29) hummus versus Godzilla. I need closure.