Hummus with Ground Beef

Discover the ultimate Hummus with Ground Beef recipe! This creamy, protein-packed hummus topped with spiced ground beef and toasted pine nuts is a perfect Middle Eastern-inspired dish. Ideal for appetizers, mezze platters, or a nutritious snack, it’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Serve with warm pita bread for a healthy and delicious experience. Perfect for gatherings or meal prep!

Ingredients

For the Hummus

• 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1-2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Ground Beef & Toasted Pine Nuts

• 3 tablespoons pine nuts
• 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1/2 pound lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon 7 Spice (or cinnamon/allspice)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Olive oil, for serving

Instructions

For the Hummus

1. Optional Step for Creaminess: Place chickpeas in a bowl of water and gently rub them to peel off the skins. This step enhances the creamy texture but is not required.
2. Blend the Chickpeas: Drain the chickpeas and transfer them to a food processor. Blend alone until they reach a powder-like consistency, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add lemon juice, tahini, garlic cloves, salt, and 2-3 ice cubes. Blend for about 5 minutes until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more lemon juice or salt if necessary.
4. Plate the Hummus: Spoon the hummus onto a plate or bowl, then use the back of a spoon to create swirls for presentation.

For the Ground Beef & Pine Nuts

1. Toast the Pine Nuts: Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add pine nuts and toast until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef: In the same pan, heat the remaining olive oil. Add ground beef, season with 7 Spice, salt, and black pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.

Assembly

1. Combine: Spoon the cooked ground beef over the hummus.
2. Garnish: Top with toasted pine nuts, fresh parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil.
3. Serve: Serve at room temperature or warmed, alongside pita bread or pita chips.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced Flavors: The creamy hummus perfectly complements the spiced, savory ground beef and crunchy pine nuts.
• Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly.
• Versatile: Great as an appetizer, snack, or light meal.

Tips

• Make it Extra Creamy: Peeling chickpeas takes time but yields the smoothest hummus.
• Freshly Toasted Pine Nuts: Keep an eye on the pine nuts as they toast quickly and can burn easily.
• Adjust the Spices: Customize the seasoning in the ground beef to suit your taste preferences.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or spiced lentils.
• Alternative Toppings: Swap pine nuts for slivered almonds or walnuts.
• Dairy-Free: Ensure tahini and other ingredients are dairy-free if needed.

FAQs

Can I use dried chickpeas? Yes, soak and cook dried chickpeas until tender before using them in the recipe.

How long does this keep? Store hummus and beef separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef before serving.

What is 7 Spice? 7 Spice is a Middle Eastern spice blend often containing black pepper, allspice, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, paprika, and cumin. Substitute with a mix of cinnamon and allspice if unavailable.

Serving and Suggestions

• Pairings: Serve with warm pita bread, pita chips, or fresh vegetables like cucumbers and carrots.
• Meal Ideas: Use as a filling for wraps or as part of a mezze platter with tabbouleh and stuffed grape leaves.
• Leftovers: Spread leftover hummus on sandwiches or wraps for a flavorful spread.