Tahini-Spiced Chickpea Dip
This vibrant and creamy Tahini-Spiced Chickpea Dip is a delightful Middle Eastern-inspired spread that brings together the earthy flavor of garbanzo beans and the nutty richness of tahini. A family favorite, this variation of my father's classic recipe offers a perfect balance of tang and spice. Whether enjoyed as a dip with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, or as a flavorful addition to your favorite sandwich, this dip is sure to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds. Prepare it for gatherings, parties, or a cozy night in, and watch as it disappears!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Uncooked chickpeas
2 cups (Picked over for rocks and bad beans, and rinsed)
Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (Used in soaking water)
Garlic
2-3 cloves (Crushed)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Tahini (Arabic sesame paste)
1 cup (Stirred thoroughly before measuring)
Cold water
4 tablespoons (Added to tahini to create a smooth sauce)
Lemons
3 (Juiced)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup plus additional for garnish (Used to blend and for drizzling)
Fresh ground black pepper
To taste (For seasoning)
Cayenne pepper
To taste (For seasoning)
Parsley
For garnish (optional) (Chopped)
Pomegranate seeds
For garnish (optional) (Used for decoration)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the uncooked chickpeas in a large bowl of water with baking soda overnight to soften.
2
The next day, drain the chickpeas and rinse them under cold water. In a pot, add the chickpeas and cover them with fresh water, ensuring the water is about 1 inch above the beans.
3
Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the chickpeas are fork-tender, about 1 hour. Drain and allow them to cool.
4
For an ultra-smooth dip, gently rub the cooled chickpeas together to loosen and remove any translucent hulls. Discard the hulls.
5
In a food processor fitted with a steel blade, combine the chickpeas, crushed garlic, and salt. Pulse the ingredients several times to create a rough mash, then puree until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
6
In a small bowl, mix the tahini with 4 tablespoons of cold water until thoroughly combined; the mixture will thicken as you stir.
7
Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice until you achieve a smooth consistency.
8
Add the tahini mixture to the chickpea puree in the food processor. Pulse several times to blend well, scraping down the sides to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
9
Drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil and adjust the flavor with additional tahini, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to your taste preferences.
10
Transfer the hummus to a large, shallow serving dish, smoothing the top with a spatula, and create several wells in the surface.
11
Gently drizzle olive oil into the wells, and add a light drizzle over the entire surface. Garnish with chopped parsley and pomegranate seeds for a splash of color and flavor, if desired.
12
Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later. Serve with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, or as a zesty addition to falafel or lamb sandwiches.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
40g
Carbs
10g
Protein
7.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tahini-Spiced Chickpea Dip?
It is a vibrant and creamy Middle Eastern-inspired spread made from garbanzo beans and nutty tahini, offering a balance of tang and spice.
Is Tahini-Spiced Chickpea Dip vegan?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegan and contains only plant-based ingredients.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this dip is naturally gluten-free.
How many calories are in a serving of this dip?
This recipe contains approximately 300 calories per serving.
What are the main ingredients?
The primary ingredients are uncooked chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemons, and extra virgin olive oil.
Can I use uncooked chickpeas for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 cups of uncooked chickpeas that are rinsed and picked over.
Why is baking soda used in the soaking process?
Baking soda is added to the soaking water to help soften the chickpeas overnight.
How long should the chickpeas soak?
The chickpeas should be soaked in a large bowl of water overnight.
How long do the chickpeas take to cook?
Once boiled and then simmered, the chickpeas take about 1 hour to become fork-tender.
How can I make the dip ultra-smooth?
Gently rub the cooled chickpeas together to remove the translucent hulls before pureeing.
Should I discard the chickpea hulls?
Yes, removing and discarding the hulls ensures the smoothest possible texture for the dip.
What is the protein content of this dip?
Each serving provides 10g of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 13g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in the dip?
The dip contains 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe uses 2 to 3 cloves of crushed garlic.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dip?
Yes, you can adjust the cayenne pepper and fresh ground black pepper to suit your taste preferences.
What type of tahini should I use?
The recipe recommends 1 cup of Arabic sesame paste (tahini), stirred thoroughly before measuring.
How do I prepare the tahini for the mix?
In a separate bowl, mix the tahini with 4 tablespoons of cold water until it thickens and becomes smooth.
How many lemons do I need?
You will need 3 lemons, freshly squeezed for their juice.
What kind of oil is best for this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is used for both blending into the puree and for drizzling as a garnish.
How should I plate the dip?
Transfer it to a large, shallow dish, smooth the top, and create several wells for the olive oil.
What are the suggested garnishes?
Chopped parsley and pomegranate seeds are recommended for a splash of color and flavor.
Can I store this dip for later?
Yes, you can enjoy it immediately or refrigerate it for later use.
What should I serve with this dip?
It pairs well with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, or as an addition to falafel and lamb sandwiches.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, this is a variation of the creator's father's classic recipe and is a family favorite.
How much fiber is in a serving?
There are 7.5g of fiber per serving.
What is the purpose of the cold water in the recipe?
Cold water is mixed with the tahini to create a smooth, thick sauce before combining it with the chickpeas.
What equipment is needed to blend the dip?
A food processor fitted with a steel blade is used to puree the ingredients until smooth.
Is this dip suitable for parties?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for gatherings, parties, or cozy nights in.
Can I use this dip as a sandwich spread?
Yes, it makes a flavorful and zesty addition to sandwiches like falafel or lamb.