What to serve with hummus basar?

Hummus basar pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables like cucumbers and carrots, and classic Mediterranean salads such as couscous and quinoa salad. You can also serve it with grilled vegetables, pickled turnips, or even a Mediterranean shrimp bowl for a complete meal. Learn more about couscous and quinoa salad and check out Mediterranean shrimp bowl for pairing ideas.

Is hummus tahini healthy?

Yes, hummus made with tahini is considered healthy. Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, while tahini provides healthy fats, calcium, and antioxidants. When paired with moderate amounts of seasoned ground meat—as in hummus basar —it remains a balanced, nutrient-rich dish that can support a healthy diet when enjoyed in reasonable portions.

Who won the hummus wars?

The “Hummus Wars” is more about culinary pride than competition. Nations such as Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, and Syria all assert that their rendition of hummus is the finest. Lebanon once set a Guinness World Record for the largest hummus dish, but the real winners are food lovers worldwide who enjoy classic hummus and creative variations like hummus basar .

What do Syrians call hummus?

In Syria, the dish is typically referred to as ḥummuṣ bi ṭaḥīna, which translates to 'chickpeas with tahini.' When it comes to hummus topped with meat, Syrians use the term ḥummuṣ bil-lahmeh, meaning 'hummus with meat.This reflects the dish’s cultural importance in Syrian cuisine, where hummus is a beloved staple.

How do Arabs say hummus?

Across the Arab world, hummus is pronounced ḥummuṣ —with a soft "ḥ" sound that is unique to Arabic. The term refers to chickpeas in general, while the dish itself is called ḥummuṣ bi ṭaḥīna when prepared as a creamy dip. Variations like ḥummuṣ bil-lahmeh highlight regional differences but share a common love for this iconic dish.

What makes hummus taste better?

To make hummus basar taste better, use freshly cooked chickpeas, quality tahini, and the right balance of lemon juice and garlic. Blending with ice-cold water ensures a smooth texture, while toppings like toasted pine nuts, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil elevate the dish. The spices in the ground meat also play a big role—so don’t skip on seasoning! Looking for inspiration? Try Moroccan fish in 4 simple steps for more flavor-enhancing tips from Mediterranean cooking.

Hummus Basar – 1 of The Best Middle Eastern Recipe You Must Try

Description

Hummus basar is a classic Middle Eastern dish combining creamy chickpea hummus with savory, spiced ground meat, topped with toasted pine nuts and a drizzle of olive oil. This hearty dish serves perfectly as an appetizer or main course and brings authentic Mediterranean flavors straight to your table.

Ingredients

Ingredients

1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cans cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed)

½ cup tahini (smooth, high-quality)

2-3 cloves fresh garlic

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)

Salt, to taste

1 lb ground lamb or ground beef

1 medium onion, finely diced

¼ cup pine nuts, toasted

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp sweet paprika

½ tsp cinnamon

2-4 tbsp cold water (to adjust hummus consistency)

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Instructions

Step By Step Instructions

Cook Chickpeas: If using dried chickpeas, soak overnight and boil until tender (about 1 hour).
Make Hummus: In a food processor, blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil until smooth. Add cold water slowly to reach desired consistency. Season with salt.
Toast Pine Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast pine nuts until golden. Set aside.
Prepare Meat: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onions until soft. Add ground meat, cooking until browned. Stir in cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
Assemble Dish: Spread hummus in a shallow bowl, create a well, and spoon meat mixture on top. Garnish with toasted pine nuts and a drizzle of olive oil.
Serve: Enjoy immediately with pita bread and fresh sides.

Notes

Use warm chickpeas for a smoother hummus texture.
Adjust spices to taste—feel free to add chili flakes for heat.
Store hummus and meat separately if making ahead.
Serve with fresh pita, grilled veggies, or as part of a mezze spread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Mediterranean launch recipe
Method: Blending, Sautéing
Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 250g)
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 32 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 6 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg