A rich and savory twist on traditional hummus — this Syrian Hummus with Spiced Meat and Pine Nuts elevates classic chickpea purée with a flavorful topping of seasoned ground meat, toasted pine nuts, and fresh herbs. Creamy, aromatic, and deeply satisfying, it’s a mezze favorite that brings warmth and elegance to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish transforms hummus into a complete experience, balancing creamy texture with the savory depth of spiced meat and the buttery crunch of pine nuts. It’s an authentic Middle Eastern mezze that’s perfect as an appetizer, light meal, or show-stopping party platter. Quick to prepare and full of vibrant flavor, this version of hummus is as comforting as it is bold.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Hummus:
- canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- tahini
- lemon juice
- garlic
- olive oil
- salt
- cold water (as needed for texture)
For the Spiced Meat Topping:
- ground beef or lamb
- small red onion, diced
- olive oil
- ground allspice
- ground cumin
- ground cinnamon
- salt and pepper
Garnish:
- toasted pine nuts
- cooked chickpeas (reserved)
- fresh parsley leaves
- paprika and cumin (for dusting edges)
- extra olive oil (for drizzling)
Directions
- Make the hummus: In a food processor, blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time to reach a creamy, spreadable consistency.
- Spread the hummus onto a shallow plate, swirling with the back of a spoon to create a central well for the topping.
- Cook the meat: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced red onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Add the ground beef or lamb, breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir in allspice, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and fragrant, about 6–8 minutes.
- Assemble the dish: Spoon the warm meat mixture into the center of the hummus.
- Top with toasted pine nuts, a few reserved chickpeas, and fresh parsley.
- Garnish the edges of the hummus with a dusting of paprika and cumin, then drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Serve immediately with warm pita bread or fresh vegetables.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories per serving: 340 kcal
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Use spiced mushrooms or lentils instead of ground meat.
- Chili Kick: Add a dash of Aleppo pepper or red chili flakes for added heat.
- Roasted Garlic Hummus: Roast the garlic before blending for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
- Nut Swap: Substitute pine nuts with slivered almonds or pistachios for variation.
- Herb Boost: Add fresh mint or dill for a refreshing twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store hummus and meat separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat meat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Assemble just before serving for best texture and presentation.
FAQs
Can I use dried chickpeas?
Yes, soak and cook dried chickpeas beforehand for a more traditional base. Canned chickpeas are simply faster.
What’s the best tahini to use?
Use a smooth, well-stirred tahini with a mild flavor — Lebanese and Palestinian brands are especially good.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, you can prepare both components ahead of time. Assemble right before serving to maintain freshness.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes, the hummus itself is gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free flatbreads or vegetables for dipping.
What’s the best bread to serve with this?
Warm pita, flatbread, or saj bread all pair beautifully with this mezze dish.
Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, ground chicken or turkey can be used, though beef or lamb offer the most traditional flavor.
How can I make the hummus extra smooth?
Peel the chickpeas (optional but effective) or use a high-speed blender with ice-cold water for extra creaminess.
What other toppings work well?
Try caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
Is this dish spicy?
Not inherently. You can adjust spice levels to taste by adding chili or harissa.
Can I freeze the hummus?
Yes, hummus can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Stir well after thawing before serving.
Conclusion
Syrian Hummus with Spiced Meat and Pine Nuts is a mezze dish that impresses with both flavor and texture — creamy, savory, and aromatic. Whether served as a hearty appetizer or the centerpiece of a Middle Eastern spread, it brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s both comforting and elegant. This versatile dish is sure to become a favorite on your table.
PrintSyrian Hummus with Spiced Meat and Pine Nuts
A rich and savory twist on traditional hummus — silky smooth chickpea purée topped with aromatic ground beef or lamb, toasted pine nuts, herbs, and warm spices, making this the ultimate Middle Eastern mezze centerpiece.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending & Sautéing
- Cuisine: Syrian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- For the Hummus:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 2–4 tbsp cold water (as needed for texture)
- For the Spiced Meat Topping:
- 1/2 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish:
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
- Cooked chickpeas (reserved from can)
- Fresh parsley leaves
- Pinch of paprika and cumin (for edges)
- Drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
- Make the hummus: Blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and salt in a food processor. Add water 1 tbsp at a time until smooth and creamy. Spread onto a shallow serving plate in a circular pattern with a well in the center.
- Cook the meat: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft, then add ground meat. Stir in allspice, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook until meat is browned and fragrant.
- Spoon the warm spiced meat mixture into the center of the hummus. Top with toasted pine nuts, a few chickpeas, and fresh parsley.
- Garnish edges of the hummus with paprika, cumin, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Serve with warm pita or fresh veggies.
Notes
- Use canned chickpeas for speed, or cook dried chickpeas for deeper flavor.
- Ground lamb adds traditional richness, but beef works well too.
- Adjust water and tahini ratio for desired hummus thickness.
- Best served warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 35mg