Hummus Platter

A good hummus platter is dear to my heart. After my husband had gallbladder surgery, the doctor advised us to follow a healthier diet. I realized that the more delicious and varied our meals were, the easier it would be to stick to this new lifestyle. While eating healthily at home became second nature, social events posed a challenge as the available food options were often high in fat and less healthy.

My solution was to bring my own hummus platter as a nutritious appetizer. Hummus is easy to prepare and pairs wonderfully with vegetables and pita chips. Despite containing tahini, which has some fat, hummus offers fiber and protein from beans that keep you satisfied before you consider reaching for the pizza box.

Hummus platters are incredibly versatile and allow for a beautiful presentation. I'll provide a range of options and suggestions, but this is a choose-your-own-adventure situation. Pick what you like, discard what you don't, and make it as simple or as elaborate as you prefer.

Jump to:

• Ingredient Notes for Hummus
• Instructions
• Tips, Tricks, and Alterations
• Platter Ideas
• What to Dip in Hummus
• Recipe

Ingredient Notes for Hummus

Chickpeas: Start with two cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed well to remove excess salt. Rinsing is crucial for achieving smooth hummus.

Tahini: Use high-quality tahini, a sesame paste essential in Middle Eastern cuisine. Stir well before measuring as the oil can separate. Good tahini ensures a rich, nutty flavor.

Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil enhances the hummus's smooth texture and adds a fruity, robust flavor.

Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a tangy brightness that balances the richness of the tahini.

Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide a punch of flavor. Adjust the amount to your preference.

Ground Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy depth to the hummus.

Sea Salt: Enhances the overall flavor, use to taste.

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: In a food processor, combine drained chickpeas, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, ground cumin and sea salt.

Blend: Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Gradually add cold water or more lemon juice, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Taste and Adjust: Taste your hummus and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt or lemon juice as needed.

Serve: Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl, drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil, and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Tips, Tricks, and Alterations

• Storage: Store leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving and add a drizzle of olive oil. And you can always freeze any extra hummus. 
• Consistency: Adjust the consistency by adding cold water (or lemon juice) gradually until smooth. This can vary a lot depending on the brand of tahini use used. 
• Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality tahini and olive oil for the best flavor.
• Customization: Experiment with different spices and seasonings to suit your taste.
• Room Temperature: Serve hummus at room temperature for the best flavor.
• Garnish: Use fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness.

Platter Ideas

Different Kinds of Hummus

• Classic Hummus: Simple and delicious, perfect as is or as a base for other flavors.
• Red Pepper Hummus: Blend in roasted red bell peppers for a smoky sweetness.
• Black Bean Hummus: Substitute chickpeas with black beans for a unique twist.
• White Bean Hummus: Use cannellini, navy or other white beans for a creamy variation.

More Dips 

• Baba Ganoush: A smoky eggplant dip that complements hummus beautifully.
• Olive Tapenade: A tangy and salty addition made from olives, capers, and anchovies.
• Tzatziki: A refreshing cucumber and yogurt dip.
• Cilantro Garlic Sauce:  refreshing and tangy, with a blend of fresh cilantro, garlic, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and lime juice.
• Whipped Feta:  creamy, rich and tangy dip is made by blending feta cheese with creamy Greek yogurt, honey, and lemon juice.
• Roasted Pepper Relish: incredibly flavorful and versatile, with some heat that pairs perfectly with hummus.

What to Dip in Hummus

You can really go wild with the combinations here. Here is a list to get you started for a more classic hummus platter, but if you are looking to think outside the box, check out my post 55 different things to dip in hummus.

Fresh Veggies

• Carrot Sticks: Crunchy and sweet.
• Cucumber Slices: Refreshing and crisp.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and tangy.
• Red Bell Pepper Strips: Sweet and colorful.
• Snap Peas: Fresh and crunchy.

And More

• Pita Bread: Soft and warm, pita wedge works perfectly for scooping up hummus.
• Pita Chips: Crispy and sturdy.
• Olives: Briny and flavorful.
• Pickled Veggies: try pickled onions, fresno peppers, celery of carrots.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet and smoky.
• Artichoke Hearts: Tender and tangy.
• Crackers: A crunchy alternative to pita.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled on top for a salty kick.
• Fresh Fruit: Grapes or apple slices for a sweet contrast.

Enjoy your hummus platter with a variety of fresh vegetables, pita chips, and other delicious accompaniments. Perfect for a party platter, mezze platter, or a light meal, this is a great way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying snack.

If you've tried this Hummus Recipe recipe or any other recipe on BalancingBowls, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.

Recipe