Turkish Hummus (Humus) Recipe

Turkish hummus has its own distinctive characteristics - it's typically smoother, lighter, and often served with unique toppings that set it apart from other Middle Eastern versions.


 

Ingredients

For the Hummus:

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cans/400g cooked chickpeas)
  • 1/4 cup tahini (sesame paste)
  • 3-4 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda (if using dried chickpeas)
  • Ice water as needed for consistency

For Turkish-Style Toppings:

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp Turkish red pepper flakes (pul biber)
  • 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts, lightly toasted
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp pomegranate seeds (optional)
  • A few whole chickpeas for garnish

For Serving:

  • Turkish pide bread or pita bread
  • Fresh vegetables (cucumber, tomatoes, radishes)
  • Turkish pickles (turÅŸu)

Instructions

Preparing Chickpeas from Scratch (Recommended):

  1. Soak: Place dried chickpeas in a large bowl with plenty of water. Soak overnight (8-12 hours).
  2. Cook: Drain and rinse soaked chickpeas. Place in a pot with fresh water covering by 2 inches.
  3. Add baking soda: Add 1/2 tsp baking soda to help soften the skins.
  4. Boil: Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours until very soft and falling apart.
  5. Skim: Remove any foam and loose skins that float to the surface.
  6. Reserve liquid: Save 1 cup of cooking liquid before draining.

Making the Hummus:

  1. Prepare garlic: Crush garlic cloves with the flat side of a knife, then mince finely.
  2. Blend garlic and lemon: In a food processor, blend garlic with lemon juice for 1 minute until smooth.
  3. Add tahini: Add tahini and blend for another minute until creamy.
  4. Add chickpeas: Add the cooked, warm chickpeas and blend for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Season: Add salt, cumin, and white pepper. Blend again.
  6. Adjust consistency: With processor running, slowly add ice water or reserved cooking liquid until you reach desired smoothness.
  7. Taste and adjust: Check seasoning and add more lemon juice, salt, or garlic as needed.
  8. Final blend: Process for 3-4 minutes total until very smooth and creamy.

Turkish-Style Presentation:

  1. Spread: Transfer hummus to a serving plate and use the back of a spoon to create a shallow well in the center.
  2. Oil drizzle: Drizzle olive oil generously over the surface and in the center well.
  3. Spice garnish: Sprinkle red pepper flakes and paprika over the oil.
  4. Add toppings: Scatter toasted pine nuts, chopped parsley, and pomegranate seeds.
  5. Final touches: Place a few whole cooked chickpeas around the edge as garnish.

Turkish Variations

Hummus with Pastırma (Turkish Pastrami):

  • Top with thin slices of Turkish pastırma
  • Drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle with oregano

Hummus with Sucuk:

  • Sauté thin slices of Turkish sucuk (spiced sausage) until crispy
  • Place on top of hummus with their rendered oil

Hummus with Roasted Vegetables:

  • Top with roasted red peppers, eggplant, or zucchini
  • Popular in Turkish meyhanes (taverns)

Pro Tips for Perfect Turkish Hummus:

For Ultra-Smooth Texture:

  • Cook chickpeas until they're falling apart
  • Remove as many skins as possible during cooking
  • Use warm chickpeas when blending
  • Blend for at least 3-4 minutes total
  • Add ice water gradually for perfect consistency

Flavor Enhancement:

  • Toast your own sesame seeds and make fresh tahini
  • Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
  • Let hummus sit for 30 minutes before serving for flavors to meld
  • Serve at room temperature, not cold

Storage:

  • Refrigerate covered for up to 5 days
  • Bring to room temperature before serving
  • Refresh with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice

Traditional Turkish Serving Style:

As Meze:

  • Serve in small individual bowls
  • Accompany with fresh Turkish bread (pide)
  • Include pickled vegetables and olives
  • Part of a larger meze spread

As a Main:

  • Serve in a large shallow bowl
  • Top with warm spiced ground meat
  • Accompany with grilled vegetables
  • Serve with Turkish tea or ayran

Nutritional Benefits:

  • High in plant protein and fiber
  • Rich in folate and manganese
  • Good source of healthy fats from tahini and olive oil
  • Naturally vegan and gluten-free

Shopping Tips:

  • Turkish red pepper flakes (pul biber): Available at Turkish markets or online
  • Quality tahini: Look for pure sesame paste without additives
  • Turkish olive oil: Has a distinctive flavor, but any good extra virgin works
  • Pine nuts: Buy from stores with high turnover to ensure freshness

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
Cook Time: 1-2 hours (for chickpeas)
Total Time: 2.5 hours
Serves: 6-8 as meze

Afiyet olsun! This Turkish hummus will be the star of your meze table!

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