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Syrian Hummus with Spiced Meat and Pine Nuts

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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.

Ingredients

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  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Spoon the warm spiced meat mixture into the center of the hummus. Top with toasted pine nuts, a few chickpeas, and fresh parsley.
  4. Garnish edges of the hummus with paprika, cumin, and a drizzle of olive oil.
  5. 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

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/syrian-hummus-with-spiced-meat-and-pine-nuts/