Save to Pinterest A fresh, wallet-friendly Mediterranean snack platter featuring creamy homemade hummus, warm fluffy pitas, and crisp veggie sticks, healthier and cheaper than store-bought.
I recently hosted a small get-together with friends, and this hummus platter was a huge hit. Making everything from scratch feels rewarding and tastes so much fresher than buying pre-made dips and breads.
Ingredients
- For the Hummus: 1 1/2 cups (250 g) cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed), 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon), 1/4 cup (60 g) tahini, 1 small garlic clove minced, 2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil plus more for serving, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 2 3 tbsp (30 45 ml) cold water, 1/2 tsp sea salt
- For the Homemade Pita Bread: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting, 2 tsp instant dry yeast, 1 tsp sugar, 3/4 cup (180 ml) warm water, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt
- For the Veggie Sticks: 2 large carrots peeled and cut into sticks, 1 cucumber cut into sticks, 1 red bell pepper cut into strips, 1 yellow bell pepper cut into strips, 1 cup (100 g) cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the Hummus:
- In a food processor, combine tahini and lemon juice. Process for 1 minute until creamy. Add olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, and salt. Process for 30 seconds. Add chickpeas and process for 1 minute. Scrape down sides, add 2 tbsp cold water, and process until smooth and fluffy. Add more water if needed for consistency. Taste and adjust salt or lemon as needed. Transfer to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and optionally sprinkle with paprika or sesame seeds.
- Make the Pita Bread:
- In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit 5 minutes until frothy. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5 7 minutes until smooth. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a baking stone or tray inside to heat. Punch down dough, divide into 6 balls, and roll each into a 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) thick circle. Place on hot baking tray and bake 3 4 minutes until puffy and just golden. Cover baked pitas with a clean towel to keep soft.
- Prepare Veggie Sticks:
- Wash and cut vegetables into sticks or strips. Arrange on a platter.
- Serve:
- Arrange hummus in a bowl, surround with warm pita bread (cut into wedges) and veggie sticks.
Save to Pinterest This platter is now a weekend favorite with my kids. It brings everyone to the table to dip, scoop, and munch together.
Required Tools
Food processor or blender, mixing bowls, rolling pin, baking tray or pizza stone, sharp knife, kitchen towel
Nutritional Information
Calories: 260, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 39 g, Protein: 9 g per serving
Notes
For extra creamy hummus, peel chickpeas before blending. Add smoked paprika or roasted garlic for flavor variations. Whole wheat flour can be used for healthier pita. Serve with olives or feta for a fuller mezze.
Save to Pinterest Homemade hummus and pita make snack time extra special. Enjoy this fresh platter anytime, and feel free to personalize with your favorite veggies or toppings.
Common Questions
- → How do I achieve fluffy homemade pita bread?
Use fresh yeast and warm water to activate the dough, knead until smooth, and allow it to rise for about an hour before baking at high heat for a short time.
- → Can I make the hummus smoother?
Peeling the chickpeas before blending and adding cold water gradually helps create a creamier, fluffier texture.
- → What veggies work well for sticks?
Crisp vegetables like carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers offer a nice texture contrast and freshness alongside the creamy dip.
- → How can I vary the flavors of the hummus?
Try adding smoked paprika, roasted garlic, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for subtle flavor twists that complement the base ingredients.
- → Is this suitable for special diets?
This snack is vegan and dairy-free, making it ideal for those avoiding animal products, but be mindful of sesame and gluten allergens.