Luscious Mediterranean Hummus Platter
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Luscious Hummus Platter, inspired by the renowned Zea's Hummus Appetizer. Perfect for gatherings, this appetizer features a creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, and a hint of citrus, enhanced by optional lemon zest for an extraordinary twist. To elevate its texture, we've discovered that incorporating chickpea juice creates a fluffier hummus. Don't forget the essential toppings that make this dish shine—fresh herbs, tangy feta, and rich olives—all served alongside warm pita triangles for dipping. This crowd-pleaser is not only delicious but also healthy and satisfying. Note: Refrigeration time is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld, so plan ahead. Doubling the hummus portion is highly recommended, as you'll definitely want more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
24
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chickpeas
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and simmered for about 5 minutes if desired)
Garlic
2-4 cloves (minced)
Olive oil
1/4-1/2 cup (can substitute part with juice from chickpeas)
Tahini
3 tablespoons (none)
Plain yogurt
2 tablespoons (optional)
Sour cream
2 tablespoons (optional)
Lemon juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Lemon zest
1/2-1 teaspoon (optional; cut back on lemon juice if added)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Roma tomato
1 medium (coarsely chopped)
Kalamata olives
to taste (whole or sliced)
Sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil
to taste (chopped or halved)
Roasted garlic clove
1 (whole or crushed)
Feta cheese
to taste (crumbled)
Fresh cilantro or parsley
to taste (chopped)
Green onion tops
to taste (thinly sliced)
Fresh basil
to taste (minced)
Extra virgin olive oil or oil from sun-dried tomato
light drizzle (for garnish)
Paprika or sumac
to taste (for garnish)
Green Olive, Basil and Almond Tapenade
to taste (optional; see recipe link)
Sun-dried Tomato and Kalamata Olive Tapenade
to taste (optional; see recipe link)
Pita bread
to taste (warmed and cut into triangles)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Luscious Mediterranean Hummus Platter?
It is a vibrant, creamy appetizer featuring a blend of chickpeas, tahini, and citrus, topped with fresh herbs, feta, and olives, inspired by Zea's Hummus Appetizer.
What inspired this hummus recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the renowned Zea's Hummus Appetizer.
How can I make the hummus fluffier?
Incorporating chickpea juice (aquafaba) into the blend instead of just olive oil creates a much fluffier texture.
Are there any optional ingredients for extra creaminess?
Yes, you can add two tablespoons of plain yogurt or sour cream to enhance the creaminess of the hummus.
What are the essential toppings for this platter?
The platter is elevated by fresh herbs, tangy feta, and rich olives, along with tomatoes and green onions.
How should I prepare the chickpeas for this recipe?
It is recommended to drain the chickpeas and simmer them for about 5 minutes if desired before blending.
Can I add lemon zest to the hummus?
Yes, adding 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of lemon zest provides an extraordinary twist, though you should reduce the amount of lemon juice if you do.
How long should I refrigerate the hummus before serving?
While specific hours aren't listed, refrigeration time is crucial for allowing the flavors to properly meld.
What is the best way to serve this hummus?
It is best served on a large platter with various toppings and accompanied by warm pita bread triangles.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, doubling the hummus portion is highly recommended as it is a crowd-pleasing dish that disappears quickly.
Is this hummus recipe healthy?
Yes, the recipe is described as both healthy and satisfying due to its fresh Mediterranean ingredients.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
The base is vegan, but you must omit the optional yogurt, sour cream, and feta cheese to keep the entire platter vegan.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, all ingredients listed in the recipe are suitable for vegetarians.
What spices are used to season the hummus?
The hummus is seasoned with ground cumin, salt, and a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
What type of olives are recommended for the platter?
Kalamata olives are recommended, and they can be served either whole or sliced.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The recipe calls for 2 to 4 cloves of minced garlic for the hummus base.
Can I use sun-dried tomatoes as a topping?
Yes, sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil (either chopped or halved) make an excellent topping.
What fresh herbs are suggested for garnish?
Fresh cilantro, parsley, basil, and green onion tops are all recommended garnishes.
What should I use for dipping?
Warmed pita bread cut into triangles is the suggested dipping companion for this platter.
What can I use to substitute part of the olive oil?
You can substitute part of the olive oil with the juice from the canned chickpeas to add fluffiness.
Can I add tapenade to the hummus platter?
Yes, you can add Green Olive, Basil and Almond Tapenade or Sun-dried Tomato and Kalamata Olive Tapenade to the platter.
What type of tomato is best for this recipe?
One medium Roma tomato, coarsely chopped, is the recommended variety for topping the hummus.
Is the cayenne pepper very spicy?
The recipe calls for only 1/4 teaspoon, which provides a hint of heat without being overly spicy.
What provides the tangy flavor in the recipe?
The tanginess comes from 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice and optional lemon zest.
What is the role of tahini in this recipe?
Tahini provides the essential nutty flavor and creamy texture traditional to Mediterranean hummus.
How do I finish the platter for a professional look?
Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil (or oil from the sun-dried tomatoes) and sprinkle with paprika or sumac.
Can I include roasted garlic in this dish?
Yes, one roasted garlic clove, either whole or crushed, can be added as a topping.
What type of yogurt is best if I use the optional dairy?
Plain yogurt is recommended to provide a neutral but creamy addition to the blend.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as 'easy' and involves simple blending and assembly steps.
Why should I plan ahead for this recipe?
Planning ahead is necessary because the hummus needs refrigeration time for the flavors to fully develop.