Mint-Feta Hummus Recipe

Mint-Feta Hummus

Serves 8 to 10
Makes 2-1/2 cups

by Marge Perry from Fine Cooking
Issue 139

This fluffy dip has a creamy, nutty flavor unlike anything you’ll find in a grocery store. Serve with pita, cucumbers, peppers, or carrots.

8 oz. dried chickpeas (about 1-1/4 cups)
1 tsp. baking soda
2 to 3 medium cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
1/2 cup tahini
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; more to taste
1 tsp. fine sea salt; more to taste
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup crumbled feta
2 Tbs. chopped fresh mint
2 Tbs. coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 tsp. finely grated fresh orange zest
Paprika for garnish (optional)

Soak the chickpeas in 8 cups cold water in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours and up to 24 hours. Drain.

In a large, heavy-duty pot, cook the chickpeas and baking soda over medium heat, stirring often, for 3 minutes. Add 8 cups fresh cold water and the garlic and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the chickpeas are very tender throughout, about 1 hour. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid, and then drain the chickpeas.

Transfer the chickpeas to a large bowl, and cover with cold water. Gently agitate the chickpeas with your fingers to help dislodge the skins. Stir with a skimmer or slotted spoon, and remove the skins as they rise to the surface. Drain well. Reserve 2 Tbs. of the chickpeas, and transfer the rest, including the garlic, to a food processor. Purée until the mixture balls up.

With the machine running, add the tahini, lemon juice, salt, and chickpea cooking liquid through the feed tube. Scrape down the sides, and purée until very smooth. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate at least 30 minutes and up to 3 days. The hummus thickens and the flavors develop as it sits.

Just before serving, season to taste with more salt and lemon juice, if necessary. Use the back of a spoon to create a well on the surface of the hummus and drizzle on the olive oil. Scatter the feta, reserved chickpeas, mint, parsley, orange zest, and paprika, if using, over the top, and serve.
Make Ahead Tips

The hummus can be made up to 3 days ahead; garnish just before serving.

nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 200, Fat (kcal): 13, Fat Calories (g): 120, Saturated Fat (g): 2, Protein (g): 6, Monounsaturated Fat (g): 7, Carbohydrates (mg): 16, Polyunsaturated Fat (mg): 4, Sodium (g): 260, Cholesterol (g): 0, Fiber (g): 4,