Aromatic White Bean Hummus with Toasted Spices
Your guests will be delighted by this fragrant, flavorful white bean hummus. The toasted spice topping makes it special and adds a little extra texture to this classic dip.
With the holidays right around the corner, we’re all looking for a handful of quick and easy recipes to entertain a crowd. Personally, the holidays have me thinking a lot about mezze.
It is not so much because I want to eat Middle Eastern food — though it’s perfect for hot weather — but because I like the style of casual entertainment to which it lends itself. To me, mezze means lots of variety on the table, which is elegantly simple. That’s what got me thinking about this white bean hummus recipe.
When we lived in Abidjan a few years ago, my youngest son, Yves, loved to make this white bean hummus for our family. It always felt like an exotic treat — creamy and delicious!
I know that hummus is traditionally made with chickpeas. However, the truth of the matter is I now prefer the white bean version. I find it creamier and a little lighter than the original.
About the Recipe
Today, I decided to dress the white bean hummus up a little with some toasted spices. The idea was to add a bit of color, crunch, and the flavor of za’atar to this classic dip. In my opinion, this formula succeeds beautifully.
However, Yves — being a purist–doesn’t approve. If you are like Yves — or short on time — you could always skip this extra step. Though, it does make for a pretty plate.
I hope your family enjoys this hummus as much as mine does. Bon appétit!
Festive White Bean Hummus, with Toasted Spices
Ingredients
- 1 tin (400 g) Cannellini beans
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 lemon, juice of
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
For the topping
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon sumac
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Place the beans, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, tahini, and salt in a blender jar. Blend, pulsing at first, until pureed. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Then place in a serving dish and set aside.
- To prepare the topping, warm the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a small skillet, set over medium heat. Add the sesame seeds, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds to the oil. Toast, shaking the skillet gently, for 1-2 minutes, or until toasty and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the spices. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Meanwhile, mix the sumac and thyme in a small bowl.
- Drizzle the oil and seed mixture over the hummus in the serving bowl. Finally, sprinkle the sumac and thyme mixture over the top.
- Serve immediately with warm pita bread or crudités.
Notes
Hummus is all about balance. Do taste and adjust the quantities of lemon juice and salt as needed. The topping is optional.