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The starter, From around the world

Hummus with grilled pita

Hummus with grilled pita is a shareable starter for 6 people, very easy to make and under €2 per person. It needs 20 minutes of active work and is made entirely the day before, only the pita gets grilled right before serving. The key to success is a long blend with ice water, which gives it a really smooth texture.

A really creamy hummus with warm pita, everyone gathers around the same bowl.

Hummus with grilled pita
For
6 people
Work
20 min
Total time
25 min
Prep
Prepared the day before
Difficulty
Very easy
Cost per person
€1.10
Calories per person
320 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach

A good hummus shows in its texture, neither too thick nor runny, just creamy enough to coat a piece of warm pita without dripping off. Whisking the tahini with lemon juice before adding the chickpeas is what gives this pale, airy base, a world away from the grainy hummus you sometimes find ready made. A drizzle of olive oil and a dusting of paprika on top finish it off simply.

It's an easy starter for a casual dinner with friends, where everyone digs into the same bowl while the main course is on its way. It also works well for a family meal with kids, who usually love dipping their pita in it. Since it's made the day before and works any time of year, it's a simple piece to slot into a more elaborate menu.

The schedule

What happens when, so you can be with your guests instead of in the kitchen.

  1. The day before 3 steps, 8 min
  2. The same day Nothing to do
  3. Before the guests arrive 1 step
  4. When it's time to serve 1 step, 3 min

The day before, you make the whole hummus up to the point of chilling it, which leaves almost nothing to do on the day. Half an hour before guests arrive, just take the bowl out of the fridge so it comes back to room temperature. At serving time, all that's left is grilling the pita and cutting it into triangles, everyone serves themselves from the same bowl.

The ingredients

6 people

Pantry

  • Canned cooked chickpeasoften in the pantry 2
  • Tahini (sesame paste) 5 tbsp
  • Ground cuminoften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Olive oiloften in the pantry 6 tbsp
  • Paprikaoften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 tsp

Fruits and vegetables

  • Lemon 2
  • Garlic 1 cloves

Bakery

  • Pita breads 6

Allergens Gluten, Sesame

The recipe, moment by moment

The day beforeWhat's better after resting overnight in the fridge.

  1. Drain the chickpeas, keeping a bit of their liquid, rinse them and rub them between your hands to remove the skins.

    This two minute chore makes the hummus silky, you can skip it if you're short on time, it'll just be a bit more rustic.

  2. Blend the tahini with the lemon juice and garlic for a minute, add the chickpeas, cumin and salt, then blend while pouring in four tablespoons of ice water. 8 min

    Whisking the tahini and lemon together first turns them into a white cream, that's what makes the whole thing smooth.

  3. Pour the hummus into a shallow bowl, swirl a spiral with the back of a spoon, drizzle with olive oil, dust with paprika and cover in the fridge.

    The drizzle of oil protects the surface and keeps the hummus from drying out in the fridge.

Before the guests arriveThe last hour, right before the doorbell rings.

  1. Take the hummus out of the fridge half an hour before serving.

    Cold hummus loses its flavor, at room temperature it gets all its smoothness back.

When it's time to serveThe final touches, right in front of your guests.

  1. Grill the pitas briefly in a toaster or skillet, cut into triangles and serve warm with the hummus. 3 min

    Run a little water over each pita before grilling it, it stays soft instead of turning hard.

Our tips to get it right

  • Pick a good quality tahini that's fairly runny, a thick or dried out tahini makes a heavier hummus even with plenty of ice water.
  • Always taste before adding all the salt, canned chickpeas are sometimes already salted depending on the brand.
  • If the hummus seems too thick after a night in the fridge, loosen it with a spoonful of ice water when you take it out, not with oil which would make it heavier.

The variations

  • Swap part of the chickpeas for cooked beets for a pink hummus, the taste stays mild and it mostly changes the color on the table.
  • For a quicker version, skip peeling the chickpeas, the hummus will be a little less smooth but just as good tasting.
  • For kids, cut the garlic in half and serve the pita cut into small triangles that are easier to dip.

What to serve it with

  • Raw veggies for dipping, cucumber and carrot
  • Marinated olives as an appetizer
  • Mint tea or lemonade

Storage

Hummus keeps for 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container, with plastic wrap pressed on the surface to stop it from drying out. It doesn't freeze well, the texture turns grainy once thawed. Grilled pita is best eaten the same day, it softens if it sits too long.

Questions about this recipe

Can I replace the tahini if I don't have any?

Tahini gives hummus its signature sesame flavor, which is hard to truly replace. In a pinch, a very mild almond butter can work, but the result will be sweeter and less authentic.

How can I plate the hummus for a nicer table?

Spread it into a wide bowl and swirl a spiral in the center with the back of a spoon before pouring the olive oil in. Add a few whole chickpeas and some chopped parsley for a simple, clean look.

Does homemade hummus taste the same as store bought?

No, it's usually more flavorful and less acidic since you control the amount of lemon and garlic yourself. The texture is also creamier thanks to the long blend with ice water.

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, you'll need to soak them overnight then cook them for about an hour, which changes the prep time the day before. The result is often even smoother than with canned chickpeas.

Can a hummus with grilled pita be made ahead?

Yes, it's even recommended. The recipe needs 20 min of work in total, split up like this, the day before, 3 steps, before the guests arrive, 1 step, when it's time to serve, 1 step.

How long does it take to make a hummus with grilled pita?

Allow 25 min in total, including resting and cooking time, of which 20 min is actual work. The recipe is rated "very easy".

How many calories are in a hummus with grilled pita?

About 320 kcal per person, for a recipe meant for 6 people. The calories are calculated by Kiloach, your kilo coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a hummus with grilled pita cost?

About €1.10 per person, that's €6.60 for 6 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains gluten, sesame. Remember to ask your guests about their allergies before putting your menu together.

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