Mediterranean Flatbread with Hummus
Highlighted under: Multinational Kitchen Ideas
I absolutely love making Mediterranean Flatbread with Hummus, especially when I'm craving something light yet satisfying. The combination of warm, fluffy flatbread topped with creamy hummus creates a delightful explosion of flavors. I often enjoy it as a quick lunch or serve it as an appetizer during gatherings. The simplicity of the ingredients allows you to customize the toppings to match your taste, which is always a hit in my kitchen. Trust me; this recipe is sure to get everyone hooked!
Preparing this Mediterranean Flatbread with Hummus has become one of my favorite ways to take a culinary trip to the Mediterranean without leaving my kitchen. I experimented with different toppings, and adding sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes really enhances the freshness of the dish. The balance of textures between the creamy smoothness of the hummus and the chewy flatbread makes every bite a wonderful experience.
While making the flatbread, I discovered that using high-quality olive oil not only impacts the flavor but also makes the dough incredibly smooth. Baking them until golden brown gives them an irresistible crunchy edge, a key detail I always emphasize when sharing this recipe. Give it a try, and you’ll see how it transforms the overall taste!
Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
- Fluffy flatbread pairs perfectly with creamy hummus
- Simple to prepare and customize with your favorite toppings
- Perfect for snacks, lunch, or gatherings
Perfect Your Flatbread Technique
Achieving the ideal texture for your flatbread starts with the dough. It's essential to knead it until it's smooth and elastic, which helps create those airy bubbles when cooking. After mixing your ingredients, let the dough rest for at least 10 minutes, as this allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out. If your dough feels too sticky, dust it lightly with flour during kneading. You want it to be soft but not overly sticky, so adjust the flour as needed.
When cooking your flatbreads, use a dry skillet over medium heat for the best results. The bread should puff slightly during cooking, indicating that steam is building inside, which contributes to its lightness. If you notice your flatbread is browning too quickly, lower the heat to ensure it cooks through without burning the exterior. Aim for golden brown spots on each side, giving a slight press in the center to check if it's firm yet soft.
Creating Creamy Hummus
The key to a smooth, creamy hummus lies in your blending technique. Start by processing the chickpeas alone for a minute before adding tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. This initial blending helps break down the chickpeas to a finer consistency. Once these ingredients combine well, gradually add the olive oil while continuing to blend, allowing the mixture to emulsify beautifully.
If your hummus turns out thicker than desired, don’t hesitate to add water—a tablespoon at a time—until you reach a creamy, dip-like texture. The consistency can vary slightly depending on the brand of chickpeas and tahini used, so it's essential to taste and adjust as necessary. I always incorporate a pinch of salt at the end to balance the flavors perfectly, making it a standout dip.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to make your Mediterranean Flatbread with Hummus:
For the Flatbread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Hummus
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Water as needed
Toppings (optional)
- Sliced cucumbers
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Olives, pitted and sliced
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh herbs like parsley or dill
These ingredients come together to create a delightful dish that everyone will love!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your Mediterranean Flatbread with Hummus:
Make the Flatbread Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder. Add warm water and olive oil, and knead until a smooth dough forms. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
Cook the Flatbreads
Divide the dough into four equal parts. Roll each piece into a flat circle. Heat a skillet over medium heat, and cook each flatbread for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Prepare the Hummus
In a food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and olive oil. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
Assemble the Dish
Spread a generous layer of hummus on each flatbread. Top with your choice of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta, and fresh herbs.
Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean Flatbread with Hummus, and don't forget to share it with family and friends!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding smoked paprika or cumin to your hummus. Also, make sure not to overcook the flatbreads to keep them soft and pliable.
Serving Suggestions
This Mediterranean Flatbread with Hummus can be incredibly versatile based on your event or meal. For a casual lunch, pair it with a side salad to enhance the meal's freshness. If you’re serving it as an appetizer, consider preparing a platter with various toppings—like olives, cucumbers, and feta—that guests can mix and match to their liking.
Another fun idea is to serve the flatbread as wraps. You can spread a layer of hummus and then layer sliced veggies, grilled chicken, or roasted peppers before rolling it up. This variant not only looks appealing but also adds a hearty twist, making it filling without being overly heavy.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you're planning to make flatbread ahead of time, store it in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap. It can last for up to three days at room temperature, or you can freeze it for up to a month. To reheat, simply place it in a skillet over low heat for about one minute on each side, refreshing the texture before serving.
For the hummus, store it in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator, where it keeps well for up to a week. To maintain its creaminess, drizzle a bit of olive oil on top before sealing. If you notice it thickening, just give it a quick blend with a splash of water before serving again to ensure it remains silky smooth.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the flatbreads ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and cook the flatbreads in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze them for longer storage.
→ What can I substitute for tahini?
You can use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter as alternatives if you're out of tahini.
→ Is this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! All the ingredients used are plant-based.
→ Can I add proteins to this dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken or falafel would be great additions for those looking for more protein.
Mediterranean Flatbread with Hummus
I absolutely love making Mediterranean Flatbread with Hummus, especially when I'm craving something light yet satisfying. The combination of warm, fluffy flatbread topped with creamy hummus creates a delightful explosion of flavors. I often enjoy it as a quick lunch or serve it as an appetizer during gatherings. The simplicity of the ingredients allows you to customize the toppings to match your taste, which is always a hit in my kitchen. Trust me; this recipe is sure to get everyone hooked!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Multinational Kitchen Ideas
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Flatbread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Hummus
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Water as needed
Toppings (optional)
- Sliced cucumbers
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Olives, pitted and sliced
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh herbs like parsley or dill
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder. Add warm water and olive oil, and knead until a smooth dough forms. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
Divide the dough into four equal parts. Roll each piece into a flat circle. Heat a skillet over medium heat, and cook each flatbread for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
In a food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and olive oil. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
Spread a generous layer of hummus on each flatbread. Top with your choice of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta, and fresh herbs.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding smoked paprika or cumin to your hummus. Also, make sure not to overcook the flatbreads to keep them soft and pliable.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 7g