Description
Creamy Middle Eastern loaded hummus brings hearty Mediterranean flavors to your table with a generous array of toppings. Robust chickpea base mingles with za’atar, olive oil, and fresh herbs, creating a delightful shared experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Base:
- 2 cups (470 milliliters) hummus (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh Vegetables and Herbs:
- 1 1/2 cups (355 milliliters) cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sliced cucumbers (about 4 mini cucumbers)
- 1 small red onion or shallot, thinly sliced (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 12 tablespoons (180 milliliters) finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, mint, chives) + extra for garnish
Seasonings and Toppings:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) kalamata olives, pitted and chopped (optional)
- 23 pepperoncini peppers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
- Sumac or paprika for sprinkling
- Toasted pine nuts (optional)
- Lemon slices or wedges for serving
Instructions
- Dice cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion into uniform, small pieces to ensure balanced flavor and texture in each bite.
- Mince garlic finely and chop fresh herbs to release their aromatic oils and enhance the overall taste profile of the vegetable medley.
- Gently combine diced vegetables, minced garlic, and olives in a mixing bowl, seasoning with oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a vibrant and zesty topping.
- Fold in delicate fresh herbs like parsley or basil, carefully mixing to prevent bruising and maintain their bright, fresh appearance.
- Select a wide, shallow serving platter that allows for elegant presentation and easy sharing.
- Spread a smooth, even layer of hummus across the platter, creating a creamy canvas for the vegetable topping.
- Artfully distribute the prepared vegetable mixture over the hummus, ensuring an even coverage that showcases the colorful ingredients.
- Enhance the dish by sprinkling toasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch and a dusting of sumac or paprika for a tangy, complex flavor.
- Garnish with additional fresh herb leaves to add a vibrant green accent and boost the aromatic qualities of the dish.
- Serve immediately with warm pita bread, crispy pita chips, or a selection of fresh vegetable crudités for dipping.
- Provide lemon wedges on the side, allowing guests to add a bright, citrusy note to their taste preference.
Notes
- Customize the hummus base by blending in roasted red peppers or adding a swirl of extra virgin olive oil for richer flavor complexity.
- Choose high-quality chickpea-based hummus for authentic texture, or make a quick homemade version using canned chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.
- Substitute pine nuts with toasted almonds or sunflower seeds for budget-friendly crunch, catering to nut allergies or preferences.
- Elevate the dish’s nutrition by using gluten-free pita alternatives like vegetable sticks or grain-free crackers, ensuring broader dietary compatibility.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg