I absolutely love hummus with shawarma! This Middle Eastern dish is a perfect combination of creamy, tangy hummus and flavorful shawarma. It’s a great appetizer or snack that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
To make this delicious dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients. For the hummus, you’ll need garbanzo beans, tahini, lemon, olive oil, salt, and water. For the shawarma, you’ll need chicken breast cut into strips, shawarma spice, garlic powder, olive oil, salt, and onion. These ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store, and you might even have some of them in your pantry already.
Ingredients:
Hummus:
- 1 can of garbanzo beans
- 1/3 cup of tahini
- Drizzled olive oil
- 1 lemon
- Salt
- Water
Shawarma:
- 1 pound. of chicken breast, sliced into shawarma strips
- 1/4 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of shawarma spice
- Olive oil
- 1 onion
- Big pinch of salt
How to Make Hummus with Shawarma?
Making the hummus:
- Add all the hummus ingredients into a food processor and mix until it becomes a creamy and thick consistency.
Making the shawarma:
- Season the chicken breast with spices, a bit of olive oil, and salt. Refrigerate it for 15 minutes to marinate. Meanwhile, sauté onions in olive oil until golden, then cook the shawarma in the pan until done.
- To serve, spread the hummus on a plate and top it with the shawarma and onions. It’s great alongside pita bread or any bread you prefer.
Nutritional Information
Health Benefits
Chickpeas, the main ingredient in hummus, are an excellent source of protein and fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote healthy digestion. Tahini, another key ingredient, is rich in healthy fats and minerals like calcium and iron.
In addition to being nutritious, hummus with shawarma is also a flavorful and satisfying meal. The combination of creamy hummus, savory shawarma, and fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers provides a variety of textures and flavors that can satisfy your hunger and taste buds.
Caloric Content
While hummus with shawarma is a healthy choice, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes and caloric intake. A typical serving of hummus with shawarma contains around 400-500 calories, depending on the size and ingredients. To keep your meal balanced and within your calorie goals, consider pairing your hummus with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Serving and Presentation
Traditional Serving Styles
If you’re going for a more traditional feel, you can serve your hummus and shawarma on a large platter. Place the hummus in the center of the platter and surround it with the shawarma, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and pita bread. You can also drizzle some olive oil and sprinkle some paprika on top of the hummus for added flavor and presentation.
Another traditional option is to serve the hummus and shawarma in separate bowls. Place the hummus in a shallow bowl and the shawarma in a deeper bowl. This allows your guests to customize their plates and mix and match flavors as they please.
Modern Plating Trends
For a more modern and sophisticated presentation, you can try plating your hummus and shawarma individually. Place a dollop of hummus on one side of the plate and arrange the shawarma slices in a fan shape on the other side. You can also add some sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a sprig of parsley for color and texture.
Another trendy option is to serve the hummus in a small mason jar and top it with the shawarma slices. This creates a unique and Instagram-worthy presentation that your guests will love.
No matter which serving style you choose, be sure to have plenty of pita bread on hand for dipping and scooping. And don’t forget to garnish your plates with a sprinkle of sumac or a drizzle of tahini sauce for added flavor and visual appeal.
Pairing with Sides and Drinks
Complementary Side Dishes
Adding some side dishes to your hummus and shawarma platter can provide a variety of flavors and textures. Some of my favorite side dishes to pair with hummus and shawarma include:
- Tabbouleh salad: This fresh and zesty salad made with parsley, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat adds a refreshing crunch to the creamy hummus and savory shawarma.
- Baba ghanoush: This roasted eggplant dip has a smoky flavor that complements the earthy taste of the chickpea-based hummus.
- Falafel: These crispy and flavorful chickpea fritters are a perfect addition to any hummus and shawarma platter.
- Pita bread: Warm and fluffy pita bread is a classic side dish that pairs well with hummus and shawarma.
Beverage Pairings
Choosing the right beverage can also enhance the flavors of hummus and shawarma. Here are a few beverage pairings that I recommend:
- Lemonade: This refreshing and tangy drink pairs well with the creamy and nutty flavors of hummus and the bold and savory taste of shawarma.
- Mint tea: This sweet and aromatic tea is a perfect complement to the bold and spicy flavors of shawarma.
- Beer: A cold beer, such as a pale ale or lager, can help cut through the richness of hummus and shawarma and provide a refreshing balance.
- Red wine: A full-bodied red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, can bring out the earthy and spicy flavors of shawarma and hummus.
Cultural Significance
Hummus in Middle Eastern Cuisine
Hummus is not just a delicious dish, but it also has cultural significance. In Arabic, the word hummus means chickpeas, and it is believed that hummus originated in ancient Egypt. It was later adopted by the Levantine region, which includes countries such as Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. Today, hummus is enjoyed throughout the Middle East and has become a symbol of the region’s cuisine.
Global Popularity of Shawarma
Shawarma, a Middle Eastern dish made from meat that is marinated and then roasted on a spit, has become a global phenomenon. It is a popular street food in many countries, and its popularity has only grown in recent years. Shawarma is often served in pita bread with vegetables and a variety of sauces, including tahini and hummus.
The origins of shawarma can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, and it was later adopted by the Levantine region. Today, shawarma is enjoyed throughout the Middle East and has become a symbol of the region’s cuisine. Its global popularity can be attributed to its delicious taste and the fact that it is a convenient and affordable meal.
DIY Tips and Tricks
Homemade Hummus Tips
Making homemade hummus is easier than you might think, and it tastes so much better than store-bought. Here are some tips to ensure your hummus turns out perfectly every time:
- Use canned chickpeas: While it’s possible to use dried chickpeas, using canned chickpeas will save you time and effort.
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas: This will help remove any excess salt and starch, making the hummus smoother.
- Remove the skins: Though optional, peeling the chickpea skins creates an even smoother hummus texture.
- Use tahini: Tahini is a key ingredient in hummus and adds a nutty flavor. Be sure to use a high-quality tahini for the best results.
- Modify the texture: To thicken, add extra olive oil or water. For a thinner consistency, toss in more chickpeas.
Shawarma at Home
Making shawarma at home is a fun and delicious way to enjoy this Middle Eastern classic. Here are some tips to ensure your shawarma turns out perfectly:
- Use a marinade: If you have time, marinate the meat (chicken, beef, or lamb) for at least a few hours (or overnight). This will infuse it with flavor and tenderize it.
- Use a vertical rotisserie or grill: While it’s possible to make shawarma in the oven or on a stovetop, using a vertical rotisserie or grill will give you the most authentic results.
- Slice the meat thinly: To achieve the signature thin slices of shawarma, use a sharp knife or a meat slicer.
- Serve with traditional accompaniments: Shawarma is typically served with pita bread, hummus, tahini sauce, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed reading about my experience with hummus and shawarma. As someone who loves trying new foods, I highly recommend giving this combination a try. The creamy texture of the hummus pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the shawarma.
If you’re looking for a healthy and filling meal, hummus with shawarma is a great option. Chickpeas, the main ingredient in hummus, are a great source of protein and fiber. Shawarma typically includes lean meats like chicken or beef, making it a low-fat protein source.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and seasonings to make your hummus with shawarma even more delicious. Some of my favorite toppings include diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and a sprinkle of sumac.
Overall, hummus with shawarma is a tasty and nutritious meal that I will be enjoying again in the future.
As mentioned above, tabbouleh salad pairs perfectly with hummus shawarma.
Get this recipe now (by clicking the image below):
