Hummus Beiruti
LebaneseAppetizer

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

Hummus Beiruti is a beloved Lebanese appetizer that elevates traditional hummus by crowning it with richly spiced ground beef and golden pine nuts. This dish represents the perfect marriage of creamy and savory textures, where the smooth chickpea base meets aromatic meat seasoned with seven-spice blend, creating layers of flavor that define Levantine cuisine. Originating from Beirut, this version transforms simple hummus into a substantial mezze centerpiece. The warm beef topping contrasts beautifully with the cool, tangy hummus beneath, while toasted pine nuts add a delicate crunch. Best served with warm pita bread, this dish is perfect for gatherings, offering guests an authentic taste of Lebanese hospitality. The preparation honors traditional methods while remaining accessible for home cooks, making it an ideal introduction to Middle Eastern cooking.

Instructions

step by step
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  1. Drain the canned chickpeas and reserve 1/4 cup of the liquid. Rinse chickpeas under cold water and remove any loose skins by rubbing gently between your fingers for smoother hummus.

  2. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, cumin, and salt. Blend on high for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth.

  3. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil and reserved chickpea liquid until the hummus reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional lemon juice or salt as needed.

  4. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.

  5. Add minced onion to the beef and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in cumin, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

  6. In a small pan, toast pine nuts over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until golden brown. Remove immediately to prevent burning.

  7. Spread the hummus on a wide, shallow serving plate, creating a well in the center with the back of a spoon. Spoon the warm spiced beef into the center well.

  8. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the beef, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with warm pita bread.

Hummus Beiruti

4.0 (63)

A creamy Lebanese chickpea dip enriched with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, topped with warm spiced ground beef and toasted pine nuts for an authentic Beirut-style presentation.

medium
35 min
6 servings

Ingredients

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Hummus Base

  • 2 cups chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cups tahini, well stirred
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 pieces lemon, juiced
  • 4 tablespoons olive-oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoons cumin, ground
  • 1 teaspoons salt

Beef Topping

  • 250 grams ground-beef
  • 1/2 pieces onions, finely minced
  • 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, ground
  • 1/2 teaspoons black-pepper, ground

Garnish

  • 3 tablespoons parsley, chopped

Chef Tips

expert advice
For the smoothest hummus, peel the chickpeas after rinsing - while time-consuming, this creates restaurant-quality texture.
If using dried chickpeas instead of canned, soak overnight and cook with 1/2 teaspoon baking soda for extra creaminess.
The beef topping can be prepared ahead and reheated just before serving.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower seasoned with the same spices.
Adjust garlic intensity to taste - Lebanese hummus traditionally has a pronounced garlic flavor.
If tahini is too thick, stir it well before measuring as the oil separates.
For authentic presentation, create decorative swirls in the hummus with the back of a spoon before adding toppings.
Pine nuts can be expensive; substitute with slivered almonds toasted the same way for a budget-friendly option.