Hummus and Pita Recipe

 Hummus and Pita 

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (or 1 ½ cups cooked)
• ¼ cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 1-2 cloves garlic
• ¼ tsp ground cumin (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Water (as needed for consistency)
• Olive oil, paprika, or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chickpeas:

   • Drain and rinse the chickpeas. For extra smooth hummus, you can remove the skins by gently rubbing them in a towel.

2. Blend the hummus:

   • In a food processor, add the chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and a pinch of salt.
   • Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

3. Taste and adjust:

   • Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, lemon juice, or olive oil as needed.

4. Serve:

   • Transfer the hummus to a bowl and drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with paprika or fresh parsley if desired.
   • Serve with pita bread, veggies, or crackers.

Pita Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ tsp active dry yeast (or 1 packet)
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 ½ - 3 cups (300-360g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast:

   • In a small bowl, mix the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Make the dough:

   • In a large bowl, combine 2 ½ cups of flour and salt.
   • Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour and mix until a dough forms.
   • If the dough is sticky, gradually add more flour (up to ½ cup), until it comes together into a soft dough.

3. Knead the dough:

   • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

4. Let it rise:

   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.

5. Shape the pita:

   • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a baking stone, place it in the oven to heat.
   • Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then use a rolling pin to flatten it into a ¼-inch thick circle.

6. Bake the pita:

   • Place the rolled-out dough onto the hot baking stone or a baking sheet. Bake for 3-5 minutes, or until the pitas puff up and are lightly golden.
   • If using a baking sheet, flip them halfway through baking to cook evenly on both sides.

7. Cool and serve:

   • Remove the pitas from the oven and cover with a clean towel to keep them soft.
   • Serve warm with hummus or your favorite dips.

Tips:

• For an ultra-smooth hummus, blend the tahini, garlic, and lemon juice first, then add the chickpeas and other ingredients.
• Pitas can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for a couple of days or frozen for longer storage.

Enjoy your homemade hummus and pita bread, a perfect combination for any meal or snack!