This version of hummus combines two of my favorite things: hummus and lamb. This dish is perfect for a casual dinner party or a cozy night in with loved ones. The spiced lamb adds a delicious depth of flavor to the creamy hummus, making it a dish that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
To make this dish, you’ll need ground lamb, brown onion, olive oil, cumin powder, coriander powder, paprika powder, cinnamon powder, black pepper, salt, chickpeas, water, garlic clove, lemon juice, tahini, extra virgin olive oil, pine nuts, parsley, and extra virgin olive oil for drizzling. The combination of these ingredients creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to impress your guests.
Whether you’re a fan of hummus or lamb, or just looking for a new dish to try, this recipe is a must-try. It’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how amazing this dish can be?
History of Hummus with Lamb
Hummus, a dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, originated in the Middle East and has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a staple in many Middle Eastern countries and is often served as an appetizer or snack with pita bread or vegetables.
Adding lamb to hummus is a more recent development, but it has quickly become a popular dish. Lamb is a common meat in Middle Eastern cuisine, and its rich, savory flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy, nutty taste of hummus.
One theory about its origin is that it was created by Bedouin shepherds who would roast lamb over an open fire and then mix the meat with hummus. Another theory is that it was first served in Lebanese restaurants in the United States in the 1980s.
Regardless of its origins, it is now a beloved dish around the world. It is often served as a main course with a side of salad or vegetables, or as an appetizer to share with friends.
If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend it. The combination of tender, flavorful lamb and creamy, smooth hummus is truly irresistible.
Cultural Significance
Lamb is a popular meat in the Middle East, and it is often used in traditional dishes such as shawarma, kebab, and kofta. When combined with hummus, the rich and tender flavor of the lamb perfectly complements the creamy and nutty taste of the hummus.
In addition to its delicious taste, it has a cultural significance that goes back centuries. Hummus is believed to have originated in the Middle East over 1000 years ago and was enjoyed by various civilizations including the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians.
Today, hummus with lamb remains a popular dish in the Middle East and is enjoyed by people all around the world. It has become a symbol of Middle Eastern cuisine and culture, and it is often served at weddings, parties, and other special occasions.
Ingredients:
Hummus
- 15 oz / 400 g can of drained chickpeas
- 1/4 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of tahini
- 1 garlic clove
- Juice of 1/2 a small lemon
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Spiced Lamb
- 8 oz / 250 g of minced lamb
- 1/2 finely diced brown onion
- 1 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika powder
- 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tsp of salt
Garnishes
- 1 tablespoons of pine nuts
- 1 tablespoons of finely chopped parsley
- Extra virgin olive oil (used for drizzling)
How to Make Hummus with Lamb?
Making the hummus:
- Put everything in a blender or food processor, except for the salt, and blend until it’s all smooth.
- Give it a taste before adding salt and pepper because chickpeas can vary in saltiness. Adjust the acidity with lemon juice if needed.
- Use water to adjust the consistency to a ketchup-like consistency, which is the “proper” hummus consistency. In the Middle East, hummus does not have the thick consistency that is typical of store-bought hummus in Western countries; it is thinner.
Making the minced lamb:
- Put a pan on the stove over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Add the onion and cook until it turns translucent approximately 2 minutes. Increase the heat, and then add the lamb mince, salt, and spices. Cook, while breaking up the minced lamb into small pieces. After approx. 3 minutes it should be brown and cooked through.
- Set it aside, covering it to prevent drying, and allow it to come to room temperature.
Preparing the garnish:
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add pine nuts. Toast until golden brown, then remove from the pan and let it cool down.
Assembling:
- Spread the hummus on a plate and use the back of a spoon to create decorative swirls.
- Top it with the lamb mince, sprinkle over the toasted pine nuts, and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Finally, give it a finishing touch with a drizzle of olive oil and serve it with pita bread.
Nutritional Information
This is a delicious and filling dish, but it’s important to understand its nutritional content.
For a serving size of 1 cup, hummus with lamb contains approximately 350 calories. It’s important to note that this dish is relatively high in fat, with around 15 grams per serving. However, most of this fat comes from healthy sources such as olive oil and tahini.
Hummus with lamb is also a great source of protein, with around 20 grams per serving. This makes it a great choice for those looking to build muscle or maintain a healthy diet. Additionally, it contains a good amount of fiber, which can aid in digestion and help you feel fuller for longer.
It’s important to keep in mind that hummus with lamb is often served with pita bread or other high-carb sides. If you’re watching your carbohydrate intake, it may be best to avoid these sides or opt for a smaller serving of hummus with lamb.
Serving Suggestions
- Pita Chips and Veggies: Serve it alongside some homemade pita chips and fresh veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. The crunch of the chips and veggies pairs perfectly with the creamy hummus and tender lamb.
- Flatbread and Salad: Spread the hummus on top of some warm flatbread and serve it alongside a simple salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. The tangy dressing of the salad complements the rich flavors of the hummus and lamb.
- Mediterranean Platter: Create a Mediterranean-inspired platter by serving this hummus dish alongside other classic dishes like stuffed grape leaves, tzatziki sauce, olives, and feta cheese. This is a great option for entertaining and allows your guests to sample a variety of flavors and textures.
Pairing with Sides
Pita Bread
Pita bread is a classic side dish for hummus, and it pairs perfectly with lamb as well. The soft, pillowy texture of the bread is a great complement to the rich, savory flavors of the lamb and hummus. Try toasting the pita bread for a little extra crunch.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a healthy and flavorful side dish that can balance out the richness of the lamb and hummus. I like to roast a mix of carrots, zucchini, and eggplant with a little olive oil and seasoning. The caramelized flavors of the vegetables are a great contrast to the creamy hummus and tender lamb.
Greek Salad
A fresh, crisp Greek salad is a great way to add some brightness to the meal. The tangy flavors of the feta cheese and olives are a perfect complement to the earthy flavors of the lamb and hummus. Plus, the crunchy cucumbers and juicy tomatoes provide a nice textural contrast.
Variations
- Spicy variation: If you like a little heat, try adding some spice to your hummus. You can mix in some hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or even diced jalapenos to kick your hummus. Top it off with some seasoned lamb for a delicious and spicy meal.
- Greek-style: For a Mediterranean twist, try adding some Greek flavors to your hummus. Mix in some feta cheese, chopped olives, and diced tomatoes for a fresh and tangy taste. Top it off with some seasoned lamb for a hearty and flavorful dish.
- Roasted garlic version: If you love garlic, try making a roasted garlic hummus. Roasting garlic gives it a milder, sweeter flavor that pairs perfectly with lamb. Top it off with some seasoned lamb and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a delicious and aromatic meal.
- Curry version: For a unique and flavorful twist, try adding some curry powder to your hummus. This will give it a warm and spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with lamb. Top it off with some seasoned lamb and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a delicious and exotic dish.
Storing and Preservation
- Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help prevent the hummus from drying out and keep it fresh for up to 5 days.
- If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it. Simply transfer the hummus to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight.
- When reheating, do it slowly and gently over low heat. This will help prevent the lamb from becoming tough or overcooked.
- If you have leftovers, don’t let them go to waste! You can use them as a filling for wraps or sandwiches or as a dip for veggies or pita chips.
Common Mistakes
Using too much lamb
While lamb is a delicious addition to hummus, it is important to not overdo it. Using too much lamb can overpower the flavor of the hummus and make it too meaty. I recommend using no more than the amount in this recipe.
Using the wrong cut of lamb
Not all cuts of lamb are created equal. Some cuts are better suited for grilling or roasting, while others are better for stews or braises. For this dish, I recommend using ground lamb or finely chopped lamb shoulder. These cuts are tender and flavorful, and they work well with the creamy texture of the hummus.
Skipping the tahini
Tahini is a key ingredient in hummus, and it should not be skipped when making hummus. Tahini adds richness and depth of flavor to the hummus, and it also helps to balance out the meatiness of the lamb. Be sure to use a good-quality tahini that is smooth and creamy.
Over-blending the hummus
While it may be tempting to blend the hummus until it is completely smooth, over-blending can make the hummus tough and dry. To avoid this, blend the hummus until it is just smooth and creamy, but still has a bit of texture. This will give the hummus a more pleasing mouthfeel and make it more enjoyable to eat.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed learning about hummus with lamb as much as I enjoyed writing about it. As I mentioned earlier, this dish is a perfect combination of flavors and textures that will satisfy your taste buds.
If you are a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, this hummus is a must-try. It is a great way to enjoy the traditional hummus with a twist of meaty goodness. The lamb adds a depth of flavor to the creamy hummus that is simply irresistible.
When it comes to serving, there are endless possibilities. You can serve it as a dip with pita bread or veggies or as a spread on toast or crackers. You can also use it as a topping for salads, sandwiches, or even pizza.
In conclusion, whether you are hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, hummus with lamb is a dish that will impress your guests and leave you feeling satisfied.
Did you know? After having this hummus you can have osmalieh for dessert.
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