Creamy Homemade Hummus & Zaatar Pita Chip Recipe – Easy

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Creamy Homemade Hummus & Zaatar Pita Chip Recipe – Easy

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s a total game-changer. Honestly, once you make hummus from scratch, you’ll never go back to the store-bought stuff. It’s that good. And paired with these crispy, fragrant zaatar pita chips? Forget about it! Perfect for a quick snack, a party appetizer, or just a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any hummus recipe. We’re talking unbelievably creamy, bursting with flavor, and surprisingly easy to make. Plus, the homemade zaatar pita chips take it to a whole new level. They add a delightful crunch and a warm, earthy aroma that perfectly complements the smooth hummus. It’s a winning combination, trust me!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:

• 1 can (400g) garbanzo beans
• 1 garlic clove
• 3 tablespoons tahini
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 4 ice cubes
• 2 tablespoons Maille Honey Dijon
• Toasted pine nuts, for garnish
• 2 big pita breads
• 2 tablespoons zaatar
• Oil for brushing

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because quality really matters here!

• Tahini: Seriously, splurge on good tahini. It makes all the difference. Look for one that’s smooth, creamy, and has a slightly nutty flavor. I prefer brands made from hulled sesame seeds.
• Garbanzo Beans: This is where the magic happens for extra creamy hummus. Taking the time to peel the skins off the garbanzo beans (after draining and rinsing, of course!) results in a super smooth texture. It’s a little extra work, but so worth it!
• Maille Honey Dijon: Okay, this might sound a little unusual, but trust me on this one. The touch of sweetness and tang from the Maille Honey Dijon adds a really unique and delicious dimension to the hummus. It’s my secret weapon!
• Zaatar: This Middle Eastern spice blend is a total flavor bomb! It’s typically made with sumac, sesame seeds, and thyme, and it has a wonderfully earthy, tangy, and herbaceous flavor. You can find it at most Middle Eastern grocery stores or online. It’s amazing on everything, not just pita chips!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, drain and rinse your garbanzo beans. Then, if you’re feeling ambitious (and want really creamy hummus), soak them in warm water for a few minutes and gently peel off the skins.
2. In a food processor, blend the garlic and tahini together until it’s super smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed – you want everything nicely combined.
3. Now, drizzle in the olive oil and blend again until it’s creamy and emulsified.
4. Add the peeled garbanzo beans and lemon juice. Blend for about a minute, until it starts to come together.
5. Here’s the trick for ultra-smooth hummus: add the ice cubes, salt, and paprika. Blend for a full 4 minutes! It seems like a long time, but it’s what creates that incredibly light and airy texture.
6. Finally, stir in the Maille Honey Dijon and blend briefly to combine.
7. Transfer the hummus to a bowl, give it a swirl with a spoon, and drizzle generously with olive oil. Sprinkle with paprika, a little extra mustard, and toasted pine nuts.

Now, for the pita chips!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush both sides of the pita breads with oil, then sprinkle generously with zaatar.
2. Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the pita chips are golden brown and crispy.
3. Let them cool slightly, then slice into wedges and serve alongside your beautiful homemade hummus.

Expert Tips

• Don’t skimp on the blending time! That 4 minutes with the ice cubes is crucial for achieving that perfect creamy texture.
• Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking. More lemon juice for tanginess? A pinch more salt? Go for it!
• For an even smoother hummus, you can use a high-speed blender instead of a food processor.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already naturally vegan! Just double-check your tahini and Dijon mustard to ensure they don’t contain any hidden animal products.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: To make this completely gluten-free, ensure your pita bread is gluten-free. There are some great gluten-free pita options available now.
• Spice Level Adjustment: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili powder to the hummus.
• Festival/Celebration Serving Suggestions: This is a fantastic appetizer for parties! Serve with a variety of colorful veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers, alongside the pita chips. You can also arrange it beautifully on a platter with olives and feta cheese for a Mediterranean spread.

Serving Suggestions

Honestly, this hummus is amazing with just about anything! Here are a few of my favorites:

• Zaatar pita chips (obviously!)
• Fresh veggies (carrots, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers)
• Warm pita bread
• Crackers
• Falafel
• Grilled chicken or lamb

Storage Instructions

Leftover hummus will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The pita chips are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. They might lose a little of their crispness, but they’ll still be delicious!

FAQs

What’s the best type of tahini to use for hummus?

Good quality tahini is key! Look for a brand that’s smooth, creamy, and made from hulled sesame seeds.

Can I make hummus without peeling the garbanzo beans?

Yes, you can! It will still be delicious, but the texture won’t be quite as smooth.

What is zaatar and where can I find it?

Zaatar is a Middle Eastern spice blend typically made with sumac, sesame seeds, and thyme. You can find it at Middle Eastern grocery stores or online.

How can I adjust the thickness of the hummus?

If your hummus is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water or olive oil. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon of tahini.

Can I make the pita chips ahead of time?

You can, but they’re best enjoyed fresh. They might lose a little of their crispness if made too far in advance.

What other dips can I serve with zaatar pita chips?

Baba ghanoush, tzatziki, or even a simple olive tapenade would all be amazing with zaatar pita chips!

Enjoy! Let me know if you try this recipe and what you think. I can’t wait to hear from you!