This sharing dish contrasts smooth hummus with browned meat. Watery mince makes the topping heavy and thins the hummus. Prepare the base first, then cook meat in small batches close to serving.
Ingredients
For four side portions, use 350 g cooked, drained chickpeas, three tablespoons tahini, two tablespoons lemon juice, one small garlic clove and cold water added gradually. For the topping, prepare 300 g mince, one tablespoon oil, salt, pepper, mixed spices and optional toasted pine nuts.
For a main meal, adjust quantities, bread and salad to the guest count. Side-dish quantities may not provide a complete dinner for four adults. Tahini contains sesame and toppings may include nuts.
The hummus base
Blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon and garlic, adding cold water gradually for a smooth, spreadable texture. Taste salt and acidity. Rinse and drain already salted canned chickpeas and reduce additional salt as needed.
Spread onto a serving dish with a shallow well in the centre. Refrigerate until serving rather than leaving it out throughout preparation, especially in hot weather.
Browning the mince
Heat oil in a pan, add mince and break it up. Evaporate moisture and cook to 71°C. Add spices toward the end as appropriate to avoid burning, then check salt. Use two batches in a small pan rather than increasing heat while overcrowding it.
Add hot meat to the hummus near serving, followed by pine nuts and parsley if desired. Meat can be served separately for adjustable portions. Hummus also accompanies shawarma, but this dish specifically uses the texture of browned mince.
Should meat and hummus be combined hours ahead?
Store them separately under suitable conditions, reheat refrigerated cooked meat to 74°C, then assemble at service. This preserves texture and simplifies temperature and portion control.
Related products from ALRAQI MEATS
Beef Mince - 1 kg, or Local Naimi Lamb Mince - 1 kg. Check the product page for weight, ingredients and cutting options before ordering. Choose a cut suited to the cooking method; a boneless or mixed-meat label alone does not guarantee suitability for quick cooking.
Further guidance
Safe minimum cooking temperatures, Refrigerated food storage.