The Best Hummus with Spiced Beef and Toasted Pine Nuts: A Flavorful Middle Eastern Delight
Imagine a creamy, dreamy foundation of hummus, generously topped with savory, warmly spiced ground beef, studded with golden, buttery toasted pine nuts, and finished with a scattering of vibrant fresh herbs. This isn’t just an appetizer; it’s a culinary experience – a vibrant, textural, and incredibly flavorful dish that easily transitions from a show-stopping starter to a satisfying light meal. It’s truly one of those dishes that, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
The Inspiration: A Taste of Salt Lake City’s Middle Eastern Scene
My journey with this particular hummus variation began a few years ago, right here in Salt Lake City, thanks to some incredibly talented friends. They started their venture by selling the most amazing homemade hummus at local farmers’ markets. Their dedication to authentic flavors and quality ingredients quickly garnered a loyal following. From humble market stalls, they expanded into local grocery stores, and now they proudly operate their own thriving Middle Eastern restaurant. Every single Instagram photo from their menu sends my taste buds into overdrive, often compelling me to grab my car keys and head straight to their establishment.
Among the many delectable dishes they shared in their early days, one particular photo captured my attention and sparked a culinary obsession: their exquisite hummus adorned with a mouth-watering mixture of spiced ground beef and perfectly toasted pine nuts. The moment I saw it, I knew I had to recreate it at home. It was an instant hit, and it has remained a perennial favorite in our household ever since. This surprisingly easy dish is especially perfect for the warmer months, making it a go-to for backyard entertaining, casual get-togethers, or simply a delicious weeknight dinner.
Why This Hummus Topping is a Game Changer
While classic hummus is fantastic on its own, adding a warm, savory topping transforms it into something truly extraordinary. The combination of rich, spiced meat and crunchy nuts elevates the humble dip to an entirely new level of sophistication and flavor. Here’s why this particular combination works so well:
- Layers of Flavor: The earthy depth of cumin, the warm citrus notes of coriander, the sweet warmth of allspice, and a subtle kick from cayenne pepper infuse the ground meat with an irresistible Middle Eastern essence. This spice blend is key to achieving that authentic, aromatic taste.
- Textural Contrast: The creamy smoothness of the hummus provides the perfect canvas for the tender, browned meat and the delightful crispness of the toasted pine nuts. Each bite offers a satisfying interplay of textures that keeps you coming back for more.
- Freshness and Brightness: A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and mint isn’t just for garnish. These herbs cut through the richness of the meat and hummus, adding a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor that brightens the entire dish and makes it feel incredibly vibrant.
- Versatility: Whether you’re hosting a large party and need an impressive appetizer or looking for a light yet fulfilling main course for a smaller gathering, this dish fits the bill perfectly. Serve it with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, or even sturdy crackers.
Crafting Your Spiced Beef and Pine Nut Hummus
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to customize it to your preferences. We typically start with high-quality store-bought hummus for convenience, which allows us to whip up this dish in mere minutes. However, if you have a favorite homemade hummus recipe, feel free to use that for an even more personal touch. The heart of the topping is the seasoned ground meat, and while ground beef is our usual choice (we recommend a leaner cut like 96% for less grease), it’s equally delicious and traditional with ground lamb, offering a slightly richer flavor profile.
The spice blend is what truly makes this dish sing. Cumin, coriander, and allspice are staple spices in Middle Eastern cuisine, providing a warm, aromatic foundation. A touch of cayenne pepper adds a gentle heat that complements the other flavors without overpowering them. And, of course, a pinch of salt is essential to enhance all these wonderful spices. The pine nuts, toasted until golden, contribute a buttery flavor and an essential crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft textures of the hummus and meat. Finally, a generous scattering of fresh parsley and mint not only adds visual appeal but also a burst of refreshing, aromatic flavor that truly elevates the dish.
Hummus with Spiced Beef and Pine Nuts
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (I used 96% lean)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- 2 cups prepared hummus
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint
- More olive oil , for drizzling
- Pita bread , for serving
Instructions
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it heat for 1 minute until shimmering.
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Add the ground beef to the hot skillet and immediately sprinkle with ground cumin, ground coriander, ground allspice, cayenne pepper, and salt. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon and stirring frequently, until the beef is completely browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
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While the beef is cooking, toast the pine nuts. In a separate small, dry skillet, set over medium-low heat, add the pine nuts. Toast for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. They should turn a beautiful golden brown. Immediately remove them from the heat and add them to the cooked ground beef mixture. Stir to combine.
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To assemble, spread the prepared hummus generously on a platter or into a shallow serving bowl, creating a slight well in the center. Spoon the warm ground beef and pine nut mixture evenly over the hummus. Sprinkle the entire dish with fresh chopped parsley and fresh chopped mint. Finish with a final drizzle of high-quality olive oil over the top for added richness and shine. Serve immediately with plenty of warmed pita bread for dipping.
Notes
- This dish can also be made with ground lamb in place of the ground beef for a richer, more traditional flavor.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a finely minced garlic clove or a small, finely chopped onion to the ground meat as it cooks.
- To make this dish ahead of time, prepare the spiced meat and pine nut mixture and store it separately from the hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the meat gently before topping the hummus and serving.
- Experiment with other fresh herbs like dill or cilantro if you prefer, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for an extra zing.
Tips for the Perfect Hummus Topping
- Quality Hummus Matters: While store-bought is convenient, opt for a brand that you genuinely enjoy the flavor and texture of. High-quality hummus forms the best base.
- Don’t Skimp on Spices: The blend of cumin, coriander, allspice, and cayenne is crucial for that authentic Middle Eastern taste. Adjust the cayenne to your heat preference, but don’t omit it entirely as it adds a wonderful warmth.
- Toast Pine Nuts Carefully: Pine nuts can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. Keep a close eye on them, stir frequently, and remove them from the heat as soon as they are fragrant and lightly browned.
- Fresh Herbs are Essential: Parsley and mint not only add a beautiful pop of color but also contribute a refreshing, aromatic quality that balances the richness of the meat and hummus. Chop them just before serving for maximum freshness.
- A Good Drizzle of Olive Oil: Finishing the dish with a generous drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil adds a silky texture and a fruity, peppery note that ties all the flavors together.
Serving Suggestions for Your Middle Eastern Feast
This Hummus with Spiced Beef and Pine Nuts is incredibly versatile. It’s most commonly served as a generous appetizer or mezze item, perfect for sharing. Warm pita bread, cut into triangles, is the quintessential accompaniment for scooping up the creamy hummus and flavorful topping. But don’t stop there!
- Beyond Pita: Offer a variety of dipping options, such as fresh cucumber slices, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, or even toasted bagel chips.
- A Complete Meal: For a light lunch or dinner, serve it alongside a simple Mediterranean salad, a bowl of lentil soup, or a side of fluffy couscous. The protein from the beef and fiber from the hummus make it quite filling.
- Breakfast or Brunch Idea: Believe it or not, this dish can even make an appearance at a brunch spread. Serve smaller portions as part of a larger buffet.
- Garnish creatively: A pinch of paprika or sumac on top can add extra color and a tangy note, while a few whole mint leaves can be a beautiful finishing touch.
A Taste of the Mediterranean at Home
Embrace the rich and diverse flavors of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine right in your own kitchen with this simple yet sophisticated recipe. It’s a testament to how humble ingredients, when combined thoughtfully with aromatic spices, can create a truly unforgettable dish. Whether you’re entertaining guests, enjoying a quiet evening at home, or looking to add some exotic flair to your meal rotation, this Hummus with Spiced Beef and Pine Nuts will quickly become a beloved staple.
So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and prepare to delight your senses with this incredible fusion of textures and flavors. It’s more than just food; it’s an invitation to savor, share, and experience the warmth of Middle Eastern hospitality.