Have you tried hummus with lamb? This is a traditional dish from the Middle East that we will learn to make in a slightly modern style. If you enjoy different rich flavors, then hummus with lamb is a great choice.
And what I find most enjoyable about this recipe is that it can be prepared in just 10 minutes if you focus fully while making it.
Contents
Why I Love & prefer hummus with lamb Recipe?
- Lamb and hummus is a delicious combination. In the Middle East, it has many names; for example, in Lebanon, it’s called “kawarma,” while in Syria, it is famous as “hummus b’lahmeh.”
- The process of making it’s quite simple. To summarize briefly, you need to blend all the hummus ingredients in a blender. If you prefer, you can also buy ready-made hummus from the supermarket. After that, just add the tasty and spicy meat on top.
- It’s not necessary to use lamb; if you don’t want to, you can substitute it with any other meat. Simply adjust the spices according to your taste.
Hummus with Lamb Recipe Ingredients
Ingredients For Hummus
- Chickpeas:
- 1 cup dry chickpeas
- Tahini:
- 1/2 cup
- Lemon Juice:
- about 1/2 cup
- Garlic:
- 4 cloves
- Cumin:
- 1 tablespoon
- Salt:
- about 1/2 teaspoon to start
- Water:
- about 1/4 to 1/2 cup
- Olive Oil:
- About 2 tablespoons
Ingredients For Lamb
- Lamb:
- 1 lb
- Olive Oil:
- About 2 tablespoons
- Spices
- Allspice
- 1 teaspoon
- Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon
- Cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon
- Aleppo pepper
- 1 teaspoon
- Allspice
- Salt and Pepper:
- To taste
- Vinegar (optional):
- A splash of white vinegar
Step By Step Procedure to Make Hummus With Lamb
Lamb Making Procedure
Soak Chickpeas
The first step is to soak the chickpeas. Take a bowl, fill it with water, and add the chickpeas. Leave them to soak overnight. Try to keep them in water for about 8 hours; this will make them nice and soft, allowing for a smoother blend.
Tip: If you forget to soak them for 8 hours or if you’re short on time, you can use a quick method. Simply boil the chickpeas for a few minutes, then place them in hot water for half an hour.
Cook Chickpeas Carefully
Preparing the chickpeas involves soaking them, and then cooking them. Soak the chickpeas then drain them and then drop them in a large pot. Pour in a couple of inches of fresh water into the pot, to cover the chickpeas. This also helps to soften the chickpeas even more during cooking.
Place the water on the counter and bring it to a boil on medium high heat. When it starts boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Leave the chickpeas to boil for about an hour.
You’ll want to do so on occasion. They should mash easily with a fork and soften easily so that they will almost break apart when you poke your fork into them.
Blend Ingredients & Adjust Consistency
Cook the chickpeas, drain them, and put them in a food processor while still warm. It helps make hummus smooth. Mix tahini, lemon juice, a few garlic, cumin, and salt cloves. Cover the food processor with a lid and blend it all.
While mixing, add some of the water you used to cook the chickpeas. It’d help to make the hummus creamy.
Feel the texture of the hummus. If it’s too thick, add another couple of tablespoons of water one at a time and then blend until it’s smooth and creamy. Try it out, and if you’re satisfied with the taste, add more garlic, lemon juice, or salt.
When you’re satisfied with how it tastes and looks, put the hummus in a serving dish. If you want some, drizzle olive oil on top and add some fresh herbs.
Lamb Making Process
First, cut it into small pieces according to your preference. Then, add olive oil to it. After adding the olive oil, you can include your choice of spices.
Finally, let the mixture marinate for 30 minutes. This step is important because all the flavors develop during this time.
Cook
After marinating, the next step is to cook the lamb. For this, take a frying pan and cook meat well on high heat. Once hot, add the marinated lamb and stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking or burning.
You need to cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until it turns a nice brown color. When it’s brown and juicy, you’ll know it’s ready.
Tip: If you want to check if it’s cooked properly, you can use a fork to divide into two parts. Soft meat means it’s perfectly cooked.
Combine & Serve
When the lamb is done cooking, everything must come together. Place a couple of spoons of creamy hummus into several individual bowls.
Spread hummus on the platter and then add the cooked meat to the top of the hummus. There is no limit on how much lamb you can add.
It’s a good-looking and even better-tasting dish. Serve warm pita bread or fresh veggies for dipping.
Thing You Should Avoid while Marinating Lambs
- Overmarinating
If lamb is cooked after a period of time, leaving it in a marinade can prevent it from becoming mushy, especially if acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus are used. Generally, it’s usually recommended for no longer than 24 hours, whereas shorter periods (15 to 30 minutes) are suitable for well-trimmed cuts.
- Undermarinating
On the flip side, the flavors can be bland if your meat isn’t marinating long enough. Flavor infusion time depends on the cut and should be at least 2-4 hours.
- Using too much acid
Acids, being important tenderizers, are helpful when used in small amounts, but beyond that, they can break down meat too much. To avoid this problem, balance your marinade with oils and spices.
Final Words
Hummus with lamb is a delicious dinner that matches flat, comforting hummus with spiced, soft lamb. You can improve the flavor of your whole dish by marinating the lamb & cooking it perfectly.
Of course, the great thing about this recipe is that it’s quick and easy (takes 5 to 10 minutes!), and there are many ways to add spices or garnishes to make it your own.