Arab breakfast - 1. Hummus bel tahini - Chickpea paste (vegan)

Hummus Bel Tahini - Chickpea Paste for Fasting

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Hummus bel tahini is a delicacy that combines tradition and culinary refinement, with deep roots in food culture. This creamy and flavorful chickpea paste is perfect for a fasting breakfast but can be enjoyed on any occasion. So, let’s discover together how to prepare delicious hummus step by step!

Ingredients

- 500 grams of dried chickpeas
- 1-2 garlic cloves (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons tahini (sesame paste)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon + 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- Virgin olive oil (for serving)
- Pickled white radishes (optional, for serving)
- Pickled cucumbers (optional, for serving)
- Pine nuts, toasted in olive oil (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Garlic sauce with chili (optional, for serving)

Preparation

Preparing the chickpeas

1. Start the night before: Clean the chickpeas of impurities and rinse them well in several waters. Then, place them in a bowl with water and add a tablespoon of baking soda. The baking soda water will help soften the chickpeas and make this process more efficient.

2. The next morning, drain the chickpeas and rinse them again. Let them soak for about two hours. This step is essential as the chickpeas will swell and be much easier to cook.

Boiling the chickpeas

3. In a pot, boil the chickpeas with fresh water and a teaspoon of baking soda. It is important not to add salt to the water, as it can toughen the skins of the chickpeas. Let them boil for about an hour and a half, changing the water halfway through.

4. Once the chickpeas are cooked and soft, drain them well but keep the cooking water. This liquid contains valuable nutrients and can be used to adjust the consistency of the hummus.

Making the hummus

5. In a blender, place the cooked chickpeas. It is recommended to keep a few whole chickpeas for garnish. Add the garlic cloves, lemon juice, tahini, cumin, and salt. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste. If the paste is too thick, add a little of the reserved water until you reach the desired consistency.

6. Taste the hummus and adjust the flavor with more salt or lemon juice, according to your preferences.

Serving the hummus

7. Transfer the hummus to a bowl or a flat plate. Garnish with parsley leaves, toasted pine nuts, and drizzle with virgin olive oil. Add pickled white radishes and pickled cucumbers for a contrast of textures and flavors.

8. For a special culinary experience, serve the hummus with warm Arabic bread or fresh cut vegetables.

Practical tips

- About tahini: If you can't find tahini, you can make a quick version at home. Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden. Then, blend them with a little olive oil until you get a smooth paste.
- Garlic-free version: If you prefer a milder paste, you can omit the garlic, and the hummus will still be delicious.
- Flavor enhancements: Try adding black olives or roasted peppers for an extra flavor note.
- Hummus consistency: If you want creamier hummus, make sure the chickpeas are well cooked and blend enough to achieve a fine texture.

Nutritional benefits

Hummus is an excellent source of plant-based protein, being rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Chickpeas contain iron, folic acid, and magnesium, making them beneficial for cardiovascular and digestive health. Tahini provides healthy fats, and garlic has antimicrobial properties.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use canned chickpeas? Yes, but the texture of the hummus may be different. Make sure to drain and rinse them well before use.
- How can I store hummus? Hummus can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Add a little olive oil on top to prevent oxidation.
- What drinks pair well with hummus? Fresh lemonade or mint tea are excellent choices. If you prefer an alcoholic beverage, a dry white wine will perfectly complement the flavors of the hummus.

Conclusion

Hummus bel tahini is more than just a simple chickpea paste. It is a culinary experience that combines simple ingredients with rich and healthy flavors. By taking advantage of each step in the recipe, you will achieve a savory and comforting result, perfect for enjoying with loved ones. Plus, don’t forget to explore the possible variations and combinations! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: We need: -500 grams of dried chickpeas -1-2 garlic cloves -2 tablespoons of tahini (sesame paste) -2 tablespoons of lemon juice (or to taste) -salt to taste -1/4 teaspoon ground cumin -1 tablespoon + 1/4 teaspoon baking soda -olive oil -pickled white radishes -optional -pickled cucumbers -optional -pine nuts -optional -parsley leaves -optional -garlic sauce with hot pepper -optional