Pita and Hummus

When it comes to finding the perfect snack or light meal, you can’t go wrong with Pita and Hummus. This classic combination is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a decently healthy choice for any time of the day. In this article, we’ll share a simple recipe for making homemade pita and hummus, along with some helpful cooking tips for customizing the recipe with different flavors and ingredients.

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Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Super Simple to Make: Our pita and hummus recipe is easy to make, using just a few common ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry…no need to buy expensive, bland versions from the grocery store.
• Nutritional Benefits: Chickpeas, the primary ingredient in hummus, are an excellent source of protein, dietary fiber, and vitamins, making them a healthy choice for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to add more plant-based foods to their diet.

Ingredients

Hummus Ingredients:

• Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Tahini (sesame paste), well-stirred
• Garlic clove, minced
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• Ice cubes, for creaminess
• Paprika, for garnish (optional)
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Pita Ingredients:

• Flour
• Salt
• Yeast (active dry)
• Water, warm
• Milk, warm
• Olive Oil

*see recipe card for amounts

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How to Make Pita and Hummus:

Humms Instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. Mince the garlic clove, and juice the lemon to measure 1/4 cup.
2. In a food processor, combine the tahini and lemon juice. Process for 1 minute, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. This will help create a smooth, creamy base for the hummus.
3. Add the minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt to the tahini-lemon mixture in the food processor. Process for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until well combined and smooth.
4. Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the food processor. Process for 1-2 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. The mixture should become smooth and creamy, but may still have some small chunks of chickpeas.
5. If the hummus is too thick, add one tablespoon of water and 2-3 ice cubes while the food processor is running, until the desired consistency is achieved. You may need 2-3 tablespoons of water, depending on the thickness of the tahini and the moisture content of the chickpeas.
6. Taste the hummus and adjust seasoning if necessary. You may need to add more salt, lemon juice, or cumin, depending on your preference.
7. Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle with paprika or sumac and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
8. Serve the hummus with warm pita bread, pita chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping. Enjoy!

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Pita Instructions:

1. In a large bowl whisk together the flour and salt. Add the dry yeast to the bowl and combine.
2. Next pour in the warm water, then the warm milk. Lightly begin to mix together, just a bit, then add in the olive oil.
3. Mix all the ingredients together and knead the dough into a ball. This will only take a few minutes.
4. Cover and sit the bowl in a warm place. Let the dough rest and rise for 1 hour. It should double in size.
5. Place the dough on a flour dusted counter and use a pastry cutter to cut the dough into 6 equal triangles.
6. Roll each of those triangles into a smaller ball of dough. Next roll each one out flat into an oblong shape about 8 inches long.
7. Heat a cast iron pan to medium/ high heat and pour in a bit of olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Place one pita dough into the pan and fry for about 1-2 minutes each until browned on each side.
8. Serve warm with hummus!

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Storage and Reheating Notes

Storing Pita and Hummus

To store leftover hummus, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week. For pita bread, store it in a plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze pita bread for longer storage – just wrap each pita individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pita and Hummus

To reheat pita bread, simply wrap it in aluminum foil and warm it in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat pita on a grill or in a toaster oven for a crispier texture.

Hummus can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just give it a good stir and let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to bring it to your desired temperature. If you’d like to warm your hummus slightly, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe dish for 15-20 seconds, or until just warmed through.

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Helpful Tips & Substitutions

Customizing Your Hummus

One of the great things about hummus is that it’s incredibly versatile and can be easily customized with different flavors and ingredients. Here are some ideas for taking your hummus to the next level:

• Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes to the food processor along with the chickpeas for a delicious twist on the traditional recipe.
• For a Greek-inspired version, mix in crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh dill.
• For a spicy kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
• Create a more complex flavor by adding smoked paprika, za’atar, or harissa.
• Make your hummus even creamier by adding a spoonful of Greek yogurt.

Making Your Pita Bread Unique

Pita bread is also easy to customize by adding different herbs, spices, or other ingredients to the dough:

• For a Mediterranean twist, add a teaspoon of dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the flour mixture.
• For a little heat, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Add a couple of tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy pita bread.
• Make garlic pita by adding minced garlic or garlic powder to the dough.
• Mix in some ground flaxseed or chia seeds for added texture and nutrition.

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Cooking Tips and Tricks

• When making the pita bread, be sure to roll the dough out thin – this will help the pita puff up properly as it cooks.
• If you don’t have a food processor, you can still make hummus! Simply use a potato masher or fork to mash the chickpeas, then mix in the remaining ingredients until smooth and creamy.
• To make your hummus extra smooth and creamy, try removing the skins from the chickpeas before blending. This step is optional, but it can make a noticeable difference in the texture of your hummus.
• Experiment with different types of oil in your hummus, such as canola oil or avocado oil, for a new take on this classic recipe.
• For an added touch of flavor, try brushing your pita bread with a little extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkling it with sea salt before cooking.

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Try Some of our favorite Greek Recipes

• Chicken Gyros
• Tzatziki Recipe