Hummus recipe

Hummus with Tabbouleh, Grilled Chicken, and Flatbreads – A Delicious and Healthy Meal

Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4

I invite you to discover a wonderful recipe, full of flavors and aromas, that will take you on a fascinating culinary journey. This delicious meal includes creamy hummus, fresh tabbouleh, juicy grilled chicken, and warm flatbreads, all made with simple yet nutrient-rich ingredients. Besides being a healthy recipe, it is perfect for a gathering with friends or a special family dinner.

A Brief Story About Hummus and Tabbouleh

Hummus is a traditional chickpea dish, cherished for centuries in various cultures, often served as an appetizer or side dish. Its creamy texture and aromatic flavor make it irresistible. Tabbouleh, on the other hand, is a vibrant salad, full of greens and vegetables, that adds a fresh touch to your meal. Together, these dishes are not only delicious but also very nutritious, being rich in plant-based proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Ingredients for 4 servings

*Hummus:*
- 250 g raw chickpeas
- 50 g sesame seeds
- 225 ml water (from the cooking liquid of the chickpeas)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 3 garlic cloves
- Olive oil (for serving)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon

*Tabbouleh:*
- 100 g bulgur or cracked wheat
- 2-3 medium tomatoes
- 1 small onion or 3 green onions
- 2-3 bunches of fresh parsley
- Olive oil (for dressing)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste

*Grilled Chicken:*
- 500 g boneless chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or hot, to preference)
- Sage or other spices (coriander, thyme, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 50 ml wine (sparkling or other white wine)

*Flatbreads:*
- 250 g flour
- 120 ml warm water
- 5 g dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar

Step by Step – How to Prepare This Delicacy

1. Preparing the Hummus
- Start by soaking the chickpeas in cold water for at least 8 hours. This process will help the chickpeas swell and become easier to cook. Choose a large pot, as the chickpeas will increase in volume.
- After soaking, rinse the chickpeas and put them in a pot with fresh water. Add a handful of salt and boil over high heat. Make sure to add hot water as needed, so the chickpeas retain their flavor. Boil for 1-1.5 hours or until tender.
- Once the chickpeas are cooked, drain them, keeping 225 ml of the cooking liquid. Place the chickpeas in a food processor, add the cooking liquid, sweet paprika, crushed garlic, and tahini (a mixture of toasted sesame seeds and olive oil). Blend everything at high speed until you achieve a smooth paste.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, mixing again to incorporate the seasonings. Finally, you can create a well in the center of the hummus and fill it with olive oil mixed with sweet paprika and lemon juice.

2. Preparing the Tabbouleh
- Meanwhile, prepare the tabbouleh. Soak the bulgur in warm water for about 20-30 minutes until it becomes soft.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained bulgur with diced tomatoes, onion, and chopped parsley. Mix the ingredients well.
- Dress the salad with lemon juice and olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper. Mix everything well so that the flavors blend.

3. Preparing the Grilled Chicken
- Cut the chicken breast into strips and place it in a bowl. Add salt, pepper, sweet paprika, sage, and olive oil. If you have white wine, add it as well. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for an hour, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, and grill the chicken, allowing it to brown on one side for 5-7 minutes. Carefully flip it and let it cook on the other side without flipping too often.

4. Preparing the Flatbreads
- In a bowl, combine the flour with dry yeast, salt, and sugar. Add the oil and warm water, mixing until you obtain a smooth dough. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes.
- Let the dough rise for 40 minutes, covered with a damp towel. After it has risen, divide the dough into six balls.
- Roll each ball out on a floured surface, forming the flatbreads as thin as possible. Heat a skillet over high heat, and when it’s hot, bake each flatbread on both sides until brown spots form.

5. Serving
- Serve the hummus on a platter, with tabbouleh alongside and grilled chicken on a separate plate. Accompany everything with warm flatbreads, perfect for dipping into the hummus.
- Offer a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Gris, which will pair perfectly with the flavors of the dish.

Useful Tips
- You can add other ingredients to the hummus, such as olives or roasted peppers, for a different taste.
- Tabbouleh can be customized with various vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots.
- Ensure that the chicken is well-cooked but not dry, to maintain juiciness.
- Flatbreads can also be made in advance, frozen, and reheated before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use canned chickpeas? Yes, but make sure to rinse them well before use.
- How can I make the hummus creamier? Adding more olive oil or a larger amount of the cooking liquid can help.
- What other spices can I use for chicken? Experiment with spices like cumin, paprika, or herbs de Provence.

This delicious recipe is perfect for sharing with loved ones, bringing not only an explosion of flavors to the table but also an unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: for 4 servings: Hummus: 250g chickpeas, 50g sesame seeds, olive oil, salt, pepper, 3 cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, juice from 1/2 lemon; Tabouleh: 100g bulgur or cracked wheat, 2-3 tomatoes, a small onion or 3 green onions, 2-3 bunches of parsley, olive oil, juice from one lemon, salt, pepper; Grilled Chicken: 500g boneless chicken breast, sage (or other marinade spices: coriander, thyme, etc.), 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 50ml wine; Flatbreads: 250g flour, 120ml warm water, 5g dry yeast, 1 tablespoon oil.