Hummus with Ground Beef
A rich and satisfying Middle Eastern classic featuring creamy hummus topped with savory, spiced ground beef and toasted pine nuts.
Ingredients
- •2 cans chickpeas (15 oz each), rinsed and drained
- •1/3 cup tahini
- •1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- •1 clove garlic, minced
- •2-4 tbsp ice-cold water
- •3/4 tsp salt, divided
- •2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- •2/3 lb lean ground beef
- •1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- •1/2 tsp ground cumin
- •1/2 tsp ground allspice
- •1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- •1/4 tsp black pepper
- •2 tbsp pine nuts
- •2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- 1
If desired, peel the chickpeas for an ultra-smooth texture, though this step can be skipped for convenience.
- 2
In a food processor, combine the tahini and lemon juice and blend for about 1 minute until whipped and pale.
- 3
Add the minced garlic, half of the salt, and the drained chickpeas to the processor, blending continuously.
- 4
With the processor running, drizzle in the ice-cold water one tablespoon at a time until the hummus becomes exceptionally light, fluffy, and smooth.
- 5
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and lightly toast the pine nuts until golden, then remove and set aside.
- 6
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and soft.
- 7
Add the ground beef, cumin, allspice, cinnamon, black pepper, and the remaining salt to the skillet.
- 8
Cook the beef mixture, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- 9
To serve, spread the creamy hummus generously across a shallow serving bowl, creating a well in the center.
- 10
Spoon the hot spiced ground beef into the center well of the hummus.
- 11
Garnish the dish with the toasted pine nuts, fresh chopped parsley, and a final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
💡 Chef tips
- For the ultimate speed and convenience, you can use good-quality store-bought hummus instead of making it from scratch.
- You can substitute toasted slivered almonds for pine nuts if pine nuts are unavailable or too expensive.
- Store leftover hummus and beef in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and gently reheat the beef before serving over cold or room-temperature hummus.
✅ How it should turn out
The dish is a stunning centerpiece featuring velvety, bright hummus contrasting with warm, aromatic, and spiced beef, topped with nutty crunch and fragrant herbs.