Fattet Hummus with Meat is a traditional Lebanese dish that is enjoyed by many. It is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for any occasion. To make this dish, you will need cooked chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, cumin, and other ingredients.
To prepare the hummus, you must cook and drain the chickpeas before blending them with garlic, tahini, lemon juice, cumin, and other ingredients. The hummus is then layered with toasted pita bread, meat, and pine nuts. The dish is garnished with ground cumin, Aleppo pepper, cooked chickpeas, and fresh chopped parsley.
If you are looking for a tasty and satisfying meal, Fattet Hummus with Meat is a great choice. It is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you are cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress.
What Is Fattet Hummus with Meat
This is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that is popular in many countries, including Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a filling meal.
The dish is made up of layers of toasted pita bread, hummus, spiced meat, and a tangy yogurt sauce. The pita bread is toasted until it is crispy and then broken into small pieces. The hummus is then spread over the bread, followed by the spiced meat. The yogurt sauce is then drizzled over the top, giving the dish a tangy kick.
The meat used in fattet hummus can vary, but it is typically lamb or beef that has been seasoned with a blend of spices that includes cumin, coriander, and paprika. The yogurt sauce is made with plain yogurt, garlic, and lemon juice, which adds a refreshing flavor to the dish.
It is a great option for a filling and satisfying meal. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a dish that is sure to please.
History and Origin
As a Middle Eastern dish, fattet hummus with meat has a rich history and cultural significance. In this section, I will explore the origins of this delicious dish and its regional variations.
Cultural Significance
This dish has been a staple dish in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. It is often served during special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and religious holidays. The dish is also popular during Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims.
In addition to its cultural significance, it is also known for its health benefits. Chickpeas, the main ingredient in hummus, are a great source of protein and fiber. The addition of meat provides additional protein and essential nutrients.
Regional Variations
While the basic ingredients remain the same, there are regional variations that make this dish unique. In Lebanon, for example, the dish is topped with fried pine nuts and served with pita bread. In Egypt, the dish is made with lamb instead of beef.
However, in Israel, it is often served with pickled vegetables and yogurt. In Jordan, the dish is topped with crispy bread and served with a side of salad.
Overall, this is a delicious and nutritious dish that has stood the test of time. Its cultural significance and regional variations make it a beloved dish in the Middle East and beyond.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (or one 15 oz can) of cooked and drained chickpeas
- 2 peeled garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp of water or aquafaba (chickpea broth)
- 2 ice cubes
- 6 tbsp of tahini
- ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp of kosher salt
- ½ tsp of ground cumin
For the meat topping, you will need:
- 2 tbsp of ghee
- 3 tbsp of pine nuts
- 8 ounces of leg of lamb, should be cut into half-inch strips or cubes (you can use sirloin or ribeye instead)
- ½ tsp of Lebanese 7-spice
- ½ tsp of kosher salt
- ¼ tsp of freshly ground black pepper
To garnish your fattet hummus, you can use:
- Ground cumin
- Cooked chickpeas
- Aleppo pepper
- Fresh chopped parsley
How to Make Fattet Hummus with Meat?
- Begin by blending cooked chickpeas, garlic, and ice in a powerful blender until smooth. Add tahini, lemon juice, salt, and cumin, blending until creamy and pale.
- Scrape down the sides and put in the tahini, lemon juice, salt, and cumin. Blend until it turns pale and super creamy.
- Afterward, put the hummus in a shallow bowl, spread it out, and chill it in the fridge if you prefer it firmer while you prepare the meat topping.
- Heat a frying pan on medium. Put in ghee and pine nuts. Stir until the nuts turn golden, take them out, and keep aside.
- Next, increase the heat to medium-high and add the cubed meat, Lebanese 7-spice, salt, and black pepper into the same frying pan with the leftover ghee. Mix well and let it cook without stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until it browns on one side.
- Mix the meat well and keep cooking until the juices disappear and the lamb turns brown on all sides. Then, lower the heat, add the toasted pine nuts, and stir everything together for a minute.
- Last but not least, place the hot lamb and pine nuts over the hummus. Sprinkle with cumin, Aleppo pepper, chickpeas, and fresh parsley if you like. Drizzle with olive oil and serve with warm pita bread.
Serving Suggestions
Accompaniments
When serving fattet hummus with meat, there are a variety of accompaniments that can elevate the dish and provide a well-rounded meal. Here are some suggestions:
- Pita Bread: Warm up some pita bread and serve it on the side for dipping into the hummus and meat mixture.
- Pickles: Pickles are a great addition to this dish. They provide a tangy and crunchy contrast to the creamy hummus and tender meat.
- Tabbouleh Salad: Tabbouleh is a refreshing parsley and tomato salad that pairs well with this dish. The acidity of the salad cuts through the richness of the dish.
- Yogurt Sauce: A simple yogurt sauce made with garlic, lemon juice, and salt is a great condiment to serve alongside the dish. It adds a tangy and creamy element that complements the hummus and meat.
Presentation Tips
This is a beautiful and colorful dish that can be presented in a variety of ways. Here are some tips to make your presentation stand out:
- Layering: Fattet hummus with meat is traditionally served in a large bowl or platter. Layer the ingredients in a visually pleasing way, starting with the hummus on the bottom, followed by the meat, then the bread, and finally the toppings.
- Garnishes: Garnishes such as chopped parsley, pomegranate seeds, and pine nuts add color and texture to the dish. Sprinkle them on top of the layering for an eye-catching presentation.
- Individual Servings: For a more formal presentation, consider serving the dish in individual bowls or jars. Layer the ingredients in each container and top with garnishes for a beautiful and sophisticated presentation.
As always, feel free to experiment with different accompaniments and presentation styles to make this dish your own.
Nutritional Information
I always like to know what I’m eating and how it affects my body. So, let’s take a closer look at its nutritional information.
Calories and Macronutrients
One serving, which is about 1 cup or 240 grams, contains approximately 400-450 calories. It also has about 20-25 grams of protein, 35-40 grams of carbohydrates, and 15-20 grams of fat.
Vitamins and Minerals
This dish is a good source of several important vitamins and minerals. One serving provides about 20-30% of the daily recommended intake of iron, which is important for healthy blood and energy levels. It also contains about 15-20% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, which is important for immune function and skin health. Additionally, it provides significant amounts of calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are important for bone health, muscle function, and electrolyte balance.
Ingredients to Watch Out For
While this is generally a healthy and nutritious dish, there are a few ingredients to watch out for if you have certain dietary restrictions or allergies. For example, the dish contains chickpeas, which are a legume and may not be suitable for those with certain digestive issues or allergies. It also contains tahini, which is made from sesame seeds and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies. Finally, the dish is often topped with fried pita chips, which can add extra calories and unhealthy fats.
Overall, it is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Just be mindful of the ingredients and portion sizes to ensure that you are getting the most nutritional benefits from this tasty dish.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetarian Alternatives
If you’re a vegetarian or just looking for a meat-free option, there are plenty of alternatives to the meat in fattet hummus. One option is to simply omit the meat and add more chickpeas or vegetables, like roasted eggplant or mushrooms. You can also substitute the meat with tofu or tempeh, marinated in a similar blend of spices and lemon juice.
Different Meats and Marinades
While lamb is the traditional meat used in fattet hummus, you can experiment with different meats and marinades to switch up the flavor. Chicken or beef can be used instead of lamb, and you can try marinades with different spices, like cumin or paprika. You can also try using ground meat instead of sliced, or adding in different cuts of meat, like shredded chicken or beef brisket.
To add even more flavor, try marinating the meat overnight before cooking. A blend of garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil is a classic marinade that works well with many types of meat. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, like oregano, thyme, or sumac.
Overall, there are plenty of ways to customize fattet hummus to your liking. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian or meat-based option, or want to try different marinades and spices, this dish is versatile and easy to adapt to your preferences.
Storage and Reheating
it’s important to properly store and reheat leftovers to ensure the best taste and texture. Here are a few tips that I find helpful:
- Storage: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 days. Make sure to separate the meat and the bread from the hummus so that they don’t get soggy. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months. I recommend freezing the hummus and bread separately from the meat to maintain the texture.
- Reheating: To reheat the leftovers, you can either use the microwave or the oven. If you’re using the microwave, place the hummus and bread in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until heated through. If you’re using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the hummus and bread in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Serving: Once the leftovers are heated, you can assemble them in a bowl just like you did before. Top it with fresh parsley, pomegranate seeds, and a drizzle of olive oil. You can also add more yogurt and tahini sauce if needed.
Following these simple tips, you can enjoy delicious and flavorful fattet hummus with meat even after it’s stored in the fridge or freezer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are a few common mistakes that people make that can ruin the dish. Here are some things to avoid:
- Overcooking the meat: It is important to cook the meat just enough so that it is tender and juicy, but not so much that it becomes tough and dry. Overcooked meat can be difficult to chew and can ruin the texture of the dish.
- Using stale bread: Fattet hummus is made with toasted bread or fried until it is crispy. Using stale bread can result in a soggy, unappetizing dish. Make sure to use fresh bread and toast or fry it just before serving.
- Skipping the tahini sauce: Tahini sauce is an essential component of fattet hummus. It adds a rich, nutty flavor and helps to balance out the acidity of the lemon juice. Skipping the tahini sauce can result in a bland, unbalanced dish.
- Overloading with toppings: While it can be tempting to add lots of toppings to your fattet hummus, too many toppings can overwhelm the dish and make it difficult to eat. Stick to a few key toppings, such as pine nuts, parsley, and sumac, and use them sparingly.
Conclusion
As I finish up my plate of fattet hummus with meat, I can confidently say that this dish is a must-try for any hummus lover out there. The combination of creamy hummus, crispy bread, and flavorful meat creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
One thing I appreciate about this dish is its versatility. You can customize it to your liking by adding different toppings such as pine nuts, parsley, or even boiled eggs. Additionally, you can adjust the amount of meat or hummus to your preference.
Another advantage is its nutritional value. Chickpeas, the main ingredient in hummus, are a great source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. The addition of lean meat provides even more protein and nutrients.
Overall, I highly recommend giving fattet hummus with meat a try. It’s a delicious and healthy dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Did you know? Zaatar pita bread is another great bread to pair with this dish.
Get the recipe now (by clicking the image below):
Shop the ingredients on Amazon
