Home

Leaves with hummus

17/11/2023

Leaves with hummus is a dish that combines the traditions of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. The leaves (or crackers) can be homemade or store-bought, while the hummus is a very popular cream based on chickpeas. Here is a simple recipe to prepare both components:

Ingredients for the leaves:

  • 250 g of flour
  • 120 ml of water
  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt

Ingredients for the hummus:

  • 400 g of cooked chickpeas (if you use dried chickpeas, remember to soak them the night before and then cook them until they are soft)
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • The juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons of tahini (sesame paste)
  • 30 ml of extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Sweet paprika (for garnish, optional)
  • Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

Preparation of the leaves:

  1. In a bowl, mix the flour with the salt, then add the water and the oil and start kneading until you get a homogeneous mixture.
  2. Work the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out with a rolling pin to a thickness of about 3 mm.
  3. Cut the dough into rectangles or use a cutter to give it the shape you prefer.
  4. Arrange the leaves on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper, prick them with a fork to prevent them from puffing up, and bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
  5. Let them cool completely before serving.

Preparation of the hummus:

  1. In a blender or food processor, put the cooked chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
  2. Blend until smooth and, if necessary, add a little water or oil to reach the desired consistency.
  3. Taste and adjust the salt, lemon, or tahini to your liking.

Serve the leaves accompanied by hummus and garnish the cream with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, and fresh chopped parsley.

Curiosity

Hummus is an ancient dish that is served in different variations throughout the Middle East. It is very nutritious and lends itself to countless combinations. If you want to add an Italian touch, try seasoning the hummus with a little chopped rosemary or serve it with Taggiasca olives.