Have you ever found yourself in this all-too-familiar situation?
You've just bought a tub of store-bought hummus, placed it on your table, and suddenly it hits you - it looks so plain and unexciting, especially compared to the vibrant veggies and warm, crusty bread just begging to be dipped into it.
Well, guess what?
I've been there too!
I know how puzzling and daunting it can be to find a way to jazz up that hummus and make it the life of the party. But worry no more because I've got the perfect solution for you!
Introducing... Hummus with Ground Beef!
This Mediterranean-spiced ground beef topping is a game-changer for any hummus recipe, creating a satisfying and nourishing snack that everyone will love. Bursting with flavor, it'll transform your plain old hummus into a show-stopping centerpiece that'll have your guests coming back for more. 🤤
One of the beauties of this recipe is its versatility, all thanks to our beloved beef. You can use different cuts, such as mince (my favorite), fillet, or rump, cut into strips or cubes.
It's all about what you have in your fridge or what's available at the store. So, go with your gut or your guests' preferences, and I promise you won't be disappointed!
Ingredients:
- Chickpeas - For quicker prep and cook time, use canned chickpeas. If you want to use store-bought hummus, that is fine too! You won’t need garlic, tahini, or lemon juice.
- Garlic - Since we throw garlic in the blender, minced or whole cloves are fine. No need to chop it up unless it already is!
- Tahini - It’s important to find high-quality tahini. Tahini should only have two ingredients: 1) sesame seeds and 2) oil. The flavor and quality of the tahini will have a major impact on the flavor and texture of the hummus.
- Lemon Juice - 3 to 4 medium size lemons will do the trick. Use bottled lemon juice if that is more convenient. However, taste it more often while adding it because bottled lemon juice tends to be more concentrated than fresh.
- Ground Beef - Use medium-fat ground beef, such as an 85/15. You want a higher fat content to really enhance the flavors and soak up the allspice and curry powder.
- Allspice & Curry Powder - Allspice is usually found in small jars or bags, not ground up. If you can only find whole allspice, just grate it with a mini grater. An Indian curry powder, such as yellow curry powder, will be best for this recipe.
Tips
Here are my go-to tips for achieving hummus perfection:
- Patience is key when blending in liquids. Gently and slowly pour the lemon juice into the hummus while it mixes. This will give you that oh-so-dreamy consistency we all crave.
- Here's a little secret ingredient: aquafaba (the magical liquid inside the can of chickpeas). It works wonders in creating ultra-smooth, creamy hummus. Trust me; you'll never go back!
- Don't forget to shell those chickpeas! By removing their tiny shells, you'll get a creamier, smoother hummus without any chunky surprises.
- Fresh herbs make all the difference. They pack a punch of flavor and aroma that dried herbs just can't compete with. If you use dried herbs, rehydrate them in oil before adding them to your hummus.
Now, let's move on to the star of many dishes: ground beef.
Here's how to cook it to perfection:
- Keep the heat low and steady. Cooking ground beef on low-medium heat will give you juicier, more tender results.
- Let it bask in its own glory! Let the ground beef cook in its own fat for added flavor, and only drain it once it's completely done cooking.
- Timing is everything when it comes to seasoning. Wait until the end of the cooking process to season your meat, allowing it to absorb more flavor.
- Give your seasonings a little boost by hydrating them in oil or water before adding them to the meat. This will make your dish even more flavorful.
- Last but not least, avoid overcooking your ground beef. No one enjoys a mouthful of dry meat, right?
Instructions
First things first, we need to give our garbanzo beans some love. Grab a strainer and rinse them under cold water. Be sure to remove as many shells or skins as possible – doing this will make our hummus super smooth and creamy.
Next, it's time to bring out your trusty food processor. Toss in the garbanzo beans, tahini, whole garlic cloves, and a teaspoon of allspice. Let's get blending!
As your magical mixture comes together, slowly drizzle in some lemon juice. Keep blending until it reaches that perfect, creamy consistency.
Now, scoop that heavenly hummus from the food processor into a serving bowl. Set it aside for later.
Let's move on to the ground beef. Heat up a sauté pan over medium heat, and add the beef.
Once your ground beef is about 75% cooked, it's time to get creative with spices! Add in the allspice, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined. Don't forget to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Now, the pièce de résistance! Sprinkle the beautifully seasoned ground beef over your creamy hummus.
And for that final touch, drizzle your masterpiece with some high-quality olive oil and sprinkle a handful of pine nuts over the top. Voilà! You've just created an exquisite dish that's bound to impress!
Serving Suggestions
The addition of ground beef to this hummus recipe allows for it to be more of a complete, balanced recipe. Use this as a main appetizer or serve alongside a variety of Mediterranean foods such as falafel, pita, cucumber, tomato salad, or couscous.
Substitutions
Not a fan of ground beef? No problem! There are plenty of tasty alternatives you can use in this recipe, such as:
- Impossible meat (for our vegetarian friends!)
- Ground turkey or chicken (for a leaner option)
- Tofu crumbles (another vegetarian-friendly choice)
- Chorizo or spicy sausage (if you're craving some heat)
Simply season these substitutions like you would ground beef, and you'll be all set. And if you'd rather skip the meat altogether, check out my homemade hummus recipe for a fantastic meat-free option.
FAQ
Q: What proteins go well with hummus?
A: Almost any protein is a fantastic match for hummus! If you're into spicy meats, try chorizo, or add red pepper flakes to your ground beef. Ground turkey or chicken are excellent choices if you're more into lean meats. Remember, it's all about the seasoning to bring out the best flavors!
Q: What is traditionally served with hummus?
A: Classic hummus pairings include warm pita bread, cucumbers, tomatoes, and falafel. Drizzle some high-quality olive oil over your hummus and garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley and dill for that authentic Mediterranean touch.
Q: Can I use store-bought hummus for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! If you're pressed for time or don't feel like making hummus from scratch, store-bought hummus works like a charm. Simply grab your favorite brand, top it with the ground beef mixture from this recipe, and you're good to go!
Q: What goes into making traditional hummus?
A: The base ingredients for hummus are chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Drizzle it with some olive oil and sprinkle on a few fresh herbs for a finishing touch.
Conclusion
Our Hummus with Ground Beef recipe is a delicious, protein-packed twist on a classic dish. Adding allspice and curry powder creates a bold and memorable flavor profile. Serve it with grilled pita, garlic naan, or even baked polenta chips for a scrumptious meal or filling snack that will impress your taste buds. Bon appétit! 🍽️
📖 Recipe
Hummus with Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 2 cans of garbanzo beans 15 oz each
- ⅓ cup tahini
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 3 teaspoon allspice
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Place the garbanzo beans into a strainer and wash with cold water.
- Take out as many of the loose garbanzo shells as possible.
- In a food processor, place the garbanzo beans, tahini, whole garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon of allspice.
- Turn on the food processor
- While the mixture is being combined, slowly pour in the lemon juice.
- Continue mixing until the hummus reaches the desired texture.
- Remove from food processor and set aside.
- Heat a saute pan to medium heat.
- Add ground beef.
- Saute until the ground beef is 75% cooked.
- Add allspice and curry powder to ground beef and stir until all seasoning is incorporated.
- Once fully cooked, Sprinkle ground beef over hummus and serve.
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