Hummus Platter
A classic, creamy homemade hummus served as a vibrant platter with crisp rice crackers, fresh cucumber slices, and salty Kalamata olives. The perfect healthy and satisfying snack.
For 4 servings
Soak and cook the chickpeas.
Place the dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover with plenty of water. Let them soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours. Drain the soaked chickpeas and rinse them well.
TIPSoaking chickpeas not only softens them but also makes them easier to digest.Pressure cook the chickpeas until tender.
Transfer the soaked chickpeas to a pressure cooker. Add enough fresh water to cover them by about 2 inches. Cook on high pressure for 45-50 minutes, or until they are very soft and mash easily between your fingers. Let the pressure release naturally.
TIPThe softer the chickpeas, the creamier your hummus will be. Don't be afraid to overcook them slightly.Blend the hummus until smooth.
- Drain the cooked chickpeas, reserving some of the cooking liquid.
- In a food processor, combine the cooked chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin powder, and salt.
- Blend for 1-2 minutes until a thick paste forms.
- With the processor running, slowly stream in the 1.5 tbsp of olive oil and then the ice-cold water until the hummus is smooth and creamy.
TIPFor an ultra-smooth texture, you can peel the skins off the cooked chickpeas before blending.Prepare the crudités and pita.
While the hummus is blending, wash and chop your carrots and cucumber into sticks of a similar size. Gently warm the pita bread in a toaster or a dry pan for a minute, then cut each pita into 8 wedges.
Plate the hummus.
Spoon the hummus into a shallow bowl or plate. Use the back of a spoon to create a swirl in the center.
Garnish and serve the platter.
- Drizzle the remaining 1 tsp of olive oil over the hummus.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of paprika and the chopped fresh parsley.
- Arrange the carrot sticks, cucumber sticks, and pita wedges around the bowl of hummus.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Using ice-cold water when blending helps make the hummus extra creamy and fluffy.
- 2Let the hummus rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- 3Store leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- 4For a smoother hummus, blend the tahini and lemon juice first before adding other ingredients. This process is called whipping the tahini.
Adapt it for your goals.
Quick
For a faster version, use one 15-ounce can of chickpeas. Drain and rinse them well before blending.
gluten freeGluten free
Replace the whole wheat pita with gluten-free crackers, rice cakes, or extra vegetable sticks.
high proteinHigh protein
Stir in a scoop of plain Greek yogurt into the finished hummus for an extra protein boost and a tangy flavor.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Reduce the amount of garlic to one small clove to make the flavor milder for children.
low carbLow carb
Omit the pita bread entirely and serve with a larger variety of low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, celery, and radishes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth, and helps keep you feeling full.
High in Dietary Fiber
The combination of chickpeas, whole wheat pita, and fresh vegetables provides a significant amount of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and supports gut health.
Contains Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil and tahini are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
This platter provides essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and B vitamins from the chickpeas and a variety of vitamins from the raw vegetables.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this hummus platter is a very healthy snack. It's rich in plant-based protein and fiber from chickpeas, contains healthy fats from olive oil and tahini, and includes fresh vegetables for vitamins and hydration.