In my culinary journey, few recipes have brought as much joy to my family as this delightful dish of hummus with pita bread. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful concoction that never fails to bring a smile to our faces. The creamy texture of the hummus paired with the soft, warm pita bread creates a symphony of flavors and textures that has quickly become a family favorite. Whether it’s a casual weekday snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer at family gatherings, this recipe delivers every time. The kids love dipping the pita bread into the smooth hummus, while the adults appreciate the subtle blend of spices that elevate this classic dish. It’s a testament to how something so simple can be so satisfying and how a few humble ingredients can transform into a masterpiece.
Ingredients
The success of this hummus with pita bread recipe lies in the quality of the ingredients used. For the hummus, you’ll need:
- 2 cups of cooked chickpeas (or one 15-ounce can, drained and rinsed)
- 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice (approximately 1 large lemon)
- 1/4 cup of tahini
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of water
- Dash of ground paprika, for serving
For the pita bread, you’ll need:
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) of instant yeast
- 1 cup of warm water
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Instructions
Creating this hummus and pita bread dish is a rewarding experience that brings together a few simple steps to create a culinary delight. Let’s start with the hummus:
- In a food processor, combine the tahini and lemon juice. Process for about 1 minute until well blended and creamy.
- Add the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, and a pinch of salt to the whipped tahini and lemon juice mixture. Process for another 30 seconds, scraping down the sides and bottom as needed.
- Add half of the chickpeas to the processor and process for 1 minute. Scrape sides and bottom, then add remaining chickpeas and process until thick and smooth, 1 to 2 minutes.
- With the processor running, slowly add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste for salt and adjust if necessary. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and a dash of paprika.
For the pita bread:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast together. Add the warm water and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- After rising, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a disk about 1/4 inch thick.
- Bake on a hot baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes until the bread puffs up and begins to brown. Serve warm with hummus.
Nutrition Facts
This hummus and pita bread recipe serves approximately 8 people. Each serving of hummus with pita bread contains roughly 250 calories. This makes it a satisfying and nutritious option for those mindful of their dietary intake, providing a good balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
Preparation Time
The preparation time for this recipe is quite manageable, even for those with a busy schedule. You can expect to spend about 20 minutes preparing the hummus, while the pita bread requires about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including rising time. This results in a total preparation and cooking time of approximately 2 hours, making it a feasible option for a leisurely afternoon or weekend cooking session.
How to Serve
Hummus with pita bread is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to suit any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions:
- As an appetizer: Serve the hummus in a shallow bowl, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with paprika. Arrange warm pita bread triangles around the bowl for easy dipping.
- As a snack: Pair with sliced vegetables such as cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers for a light and healthy snack option.
- As a meal: Add grilled chicken or lamb to create a more substantial dish, perfect for lunch or dinner.
- For a party: Create a hummus platter with various toppings like olives, roasted red peppers, and pine nuts, accompanied by a selection of breads and crackers.
- On the go: Spread hummus on a pita bread, add some greens, and roll it up for a quick and portable meal.
Additional Tips
To ensure your hummus and pita bread turn out perfectly, consider the following tips:
- Use high-quality tahini: The quality of tahini can significantly impact the flavor of your hummus. Opt for a smooth, well-blended tahini for the best results.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Taste your hummus as you go and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. A little extra lemon juice or salt can make a big difference.
- Keep an eye on the pita bread: The pita bread can puff up quickly in the oven. Watch it closely to ensure it doesn’t overcook or burn.
- Experiment with toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your hummus toppings. Try adding pine nuts, sumac, or even a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Store leftovers properly: Hummus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Pita bread is best stored in a bread bag or wrapped in a cloth to keep it fresh.
FAQ Section
Here are some frequently asked questions about making hummus with pita bread:
- Can I use canned chickpeas for hummus? Yes, canned chickpeas work perfectly for making hummus. Just be sure to rinse and drain them well before use to remove any excess salt and preservatives.
- How can I make my hummus smoother? To achieve a smoother hummus, peel the chickpeas before blending. You can also add a bit more water or olive oil to reach your desired consistency.
- Is it possible to make gluten-free pita bread? Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly from traditional pita bread.
- Can I freeze hummus and pita bread? Yes, hummus can be frozen for up to three months. Store it in airtight containers, leaving some space for expansion. Pita bread can also be frozen; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer bag.
- What can I use instead of tahini? If you’re out of tahini or prefer an alternative, try using almond butter or sunflower seed butter. These substitutes will alter the flavor slightly but still provide a creamy texture.