Hummus and Pita Chips: A Simple Guide to Creating This Savory Snack
Craving a savory snack that’s both delicious and fairly healthy? Look no further! Hummus paired with pita chips is not only tasty but also easy to make at home, even for those who aren’t culinary experts. In this simple guide, I’ll walk you through the process of creating this delightful duo from the comfort of your kitchen.
What You’ll Need:
For the Hummus:
- 1 can (15 oz) of chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans)
- 2 tablespoons of tahini (sesame seed paste)
- 2 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of paprika or cumin for some extra flavor (optional)
For the Pita Chips:
- 4 pita bread rounds
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Any additional seasonings you like such as garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs
Instructions:
-
Start with the Hummus:
-
First, open your can of chickpeas and drain them, saving about a tablespoon of the liquid for later. Rinse the chickpeas under cold water to remove the canning liquid.
-
In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, garlic cloves, lemon juice, and the tablespoon of liquid from the chickpeas. Blend until the mixture starts to become smooth.
-
With the processor still running, slowly add in the olive oil. This will help emulsify the hummus and make it creamier. If the mixture looks too thick, you can add a little bit more of the chickpea liquid or water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
-
Season your hummus with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra touch of flavor, add a pinch of paprika or cumin and blend just to incorporate.
-
Once done, scoop your hummus into a serving bowl. You can drizzle a bit more olive oil on top and sprinkle some paprika for garnish. Set aside as you prepare the pita chips.
-
-
Now, for the Pita Chips:
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
-
Take your pita bread and cut each round into 8 triangle wedges. If you like thinner chips, you can carefully split each pita round in half horizontally before cutting it into triangles.
-
Place the pita triangles in a large bowl. Drizzle them with the olive oil and toss until each piece is lightly coated. Sprinkle with salt and any additional seasonings you’ve chosen.
-
Arrange the pita pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they don’t overlap to ensure even baking.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary and you don’t want them to burn.
-
Once done, remove the pita chips from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
-
Serving Your Savory Snack:
Arrange your freshly made pita chips around your bowl of hummus and serve. This snack is perfect for sharing with friends during a get-together or enjoying by yourself when you’re in need of a tasty treat. Homemade hummus and pita chips not only taste better than store-bought, but you also have the advantage of knowing exactly what’s in your food.
Making hummus and pita chips at home is a fun, easy, and rewarding process. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this simple guide should help you whip up a savory snack that’s sure to impress. Feel free to get creative with your seasonings and add-ins – the variations are endless. Enjoy your homemade hummus and pita chips!