Harissa Hummus

 As-Salaamu Alaykum,

Hummus - A popular middle eastern and north african food dip or spread made from cooked, crushed chickpeas. It's commonly blended with tahini (toasted sesame seed paste), olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic which turns it into a creamy, pungent and zingy delight!

Add some north african harissa paste and you get a little punch in the heat and spice department.

On this occasion i used rose harissa which to me didn't taste of rose at all, more chili. My husband didn't consider this harissa to be 'real' harissa, cap de bon to him is the real deal it's a lot cheaper too than this one i picked up at my first online grocery shop with Ocado. 

(you get a £20 off your first shop over £60 and a free tea towel which i wasn't expecting and thought it was a nice touch)

This version i present now also includes the warm earthy spice cumin which is often used in countries such as Turkey not only in cooking but as a seasoning like one would use salt and pepper. 

A dash of sweet paprika (you could marble in some more harissa at this point) and a drizzle of olive oil to finish. 

This quick and healthy dip is usually served with warm pita bread which you tear and use to scoop up the hummus but i switched it up for a more substantial soft, spongy naan - yum.

Harissa Hummus

Adapted from BBC Quick Hummus

Serves 2-4 

Ingredients 

240 grams pre-cooked chickpeas or 1 x 400 grams tin, drained and washed

2 tablespoon lemon juice (or more according to taste)

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 teaspoon ground cumin

harissa, to taste (for me 3/4 teaspoon)

salt, to taste

100 ml tahini

4 tablespoon water

extra virgin olive oil

paprika

Method

1. In a food processor combine the chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, harissa, salt, tahini and water. Blend until a creamy puree consistency.
2. If necessary adjust seasoning, spices, lemon juice to taste. Turn out onto chosen serving vessel and smooth with back of spoon. 
3. Drizzle hummus with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with paprika. Serve with warm flat bread of choice.

*Disclosure - This isn't a sponsored post by Ocado or Belazu. All opinions are of course my own.