Save to Pinterest A fresh, wallet-friendly Mediterranean snack platter featuring creamy homemade hummus, warm fluffy pitas, and crisp veggie sticks—healthier and cheaper than store-bought!
I first made this platter for a sunny afternoon get-together, and it disappeared in minutes. Everyone enjoyed scooping fresh hummus with warm pitas and crunchy veggies—even the kids loved it!
Ingredients
- Cooked chickpeas: 1 1/2 cups (250 g), or 1 can drained and rinsed
- Fresh lemon juice: 1/4 cup (60 ml), about 1 large lemon
- Tahini: 1/4 cup (60 g)
- Small garlic clove: minced
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 2 tbsp (30 ml), plus more for serving
- Ground cumin: 1/2 tsp
- Cold water: 2 3 tbsp (30 45 ml)
- Sea salt: 1/2 tsp
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g), plus extra for dusting
- Instant dry yeast: 2 tsp
- Sugar: 1 tsp
- Warm water: 3/4 cup (180 ml)
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Carrots: 2 large, peeled and cut into sticks
- Cucumber: 1, cut into sticks
- Red bell pepper: cut into strips
- Yellow bell pepper: cut into strips
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup (100 g)
Instructions
- Prepare the Hummus:
- In a food processor, combine tahini and lemon juice. Process for 1 minute until creamy. Add olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, and salt. Process for 30 seconds. Add chickpeas and process for 1 minute. Scrape down sides, add 2 tbsp cold water, and process until smooth and fluffy. Add more water if needed for consistency. Taste and adjust salt or lemon as needed. Transfer to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and optionally sprinkle with paprika or sesame seeds.
- Make the Pita Bread:
- In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit 5 minutes until frothy. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5 7 minutes until smooth. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a baking stone or tray inside to heat. Punch down dough, divide into 6 balls, and roll each into a 1/4-inch (0.5 cm) thick circle. Place on hot baking tray and bake 3 4 minutes until puffy and just golden. Cover baked pitas with a clean towel to keep soft.
- Prepare Veggie Sticks:
- Wash and cut vegetables into sticks or strips. Arrange on a platter.
- Serve:
- Arrange hummus in a bowl, surround with warm pita bread (cut into wedges) and veggie sticks.
Save to Pinterest When our family wants a hands-on snack, everyone has fun layering warm pita wedges and veggies for dipping. It's an easy way to gather around the table and enjoy fresh food together.
Required Tools
Food processor or blender, mixing bowls, rolling pin, baking tray or pizza stone, sharp knife, kitchen towel
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (pita bread) and sesame (tahini). May contain traces of soy if using canned chickpeas—check labels. Check tahini for potential nut cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 260, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 39 g, Protein: 9 g
Save to Pinterest Serve immediately for best freshness! Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days for easy snacking.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve creamy texture in hummus?
Use cooked chickpeas blended thoroughly with tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and cold water to reach a smooth, fluffy consistency. Peeling chickpeas before blending enhances creaminess.
- → What’s the best way to make soft pita bread?
After mixing the dough, let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. Then roll into thin rounds and bake on a hot tray for a few minutes until puffy and lightly golden.
- → Which veggies work best as sticks for dipping?
Crunchy vegetables like carrots, cucumber, red and yellow bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes are ideal for dipping and provide a fresh contrast to creamy spreads.
- → Can I add flavors to the chickpea spread?
Yes, incorporating smoked paprika, roasted garlic, or extra olive oil can enhance the depth of flavor in the chickpea spread.
- → How should the platter be served for best taste?
Arrange the chickpea spread in a bowl, surround it with warm pita wedges, and place crunchy veggie sticks alongside for easy dipping and vibrant presentation.