A Luxurious Twist: Hummus with Pomegranate and Pistachio

Indulge in a gourmet twist on the classic Middle Eastern dish, hummus, elevated with exotic flavors and ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2. 3 tbsp tahini (sesame seed paste)
3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
4. 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
5. Juice of 1 lemon
6. Salt to taste
7. 1 tsp ground cumin
8. 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
9. 1/4 tsp sumac
10. 2 tbsp pomegranate arils (seeds)
11. 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
12. 2 tbsp chopped pistachios
13. Warm pita bread or flatbread, for serving
14. Assorted fresh vegetables (e.g., cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Hummus:

• In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the hummus is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

2. Serving the Hummus:

• Transfer the hummus to a serving dish and make a well in the center with the back of a spoon.
• Drizzle with additional olive oil and sprinkle with smoked paprika and sumac.
• Garnish with pomegranate arils, chopped cilantro, and chopped pistachios.
• Serve with warm pita bread or flatbread and an assortment of fresh vegetables.

Wine Pairing: A crisp and aromatic glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Rosé pairs beautifully with the rich and creamy texture of the hummus, complementing its earthy flavors and the tanginess of the accompaniments.