Cucumber and Hummus Finger Food

Cucumber finger food with hummus is fresh, light, and simple to prepare. They are perfect as an appetizer or for a happy hour. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• Cucumbers (medium to large size, depending on preference)
• Hummus (store-bought or homemade)
• Sweet paprika (for garnish)
• Black olives (optional, for decoration)
• Chives (optional, for decoration)

Preparation

1. Begin by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. If you prefer, you can peel them completely or alternate peel stripes and peeled areas for a decorative effect.
2. Slice the cucumbers into thick rounds, about 1-1.5 cm. These will serve as the base for your finger food.
3. If desired, slightly dry the cucumber slices with paper towels to remove excess moisture; this will help the hummus to adhere better.
4. Place a spoonful of hummus on top of each cucumber slice, spreading it gently.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of sweet paprika over the hummus to add color and a light spicy touch.
6. If you wish, decorate with a pitted black olive or a small tuft of chopped chives for a color contrast and additional flavor.
7. Arrange the stuffed cucumbers on a serving plate and keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Fun Fact

Cucumbers are widely used in Mediterranean cuisine for their freshness and water content, making them perfect for summer dishes or as a base for finger food. Hummus, a chickpea cream typical of Middle Eastern cuisine, pairs very well with the freshness of the cucumbers.

For a truly Italian touch, you might add a bit of Genoese pesto over the hummus before garnishing with paprika and chives. The pesto will add a rich and deeply Mediterranean flavor note to this delightful finger food.