Hummus Kawarma is a Lebanese dish that combines smooth and creamy hummus with spiced lamb. Served with toasted pitta or flatbreads and some crunchy slices of cucumber, this is a sharing platter that’s ideal for enjoying with loved ones this coming Valentine’s weekend. I was very tempted to spread the hummus in a heart shape but resisted.
You can, of course, serve this on individual plates as well as on a sharing platter. The flatbread is perfect for scooping up the hummus and the textures are fantastic. Crisp Cos lettuce cups are nice served with this too. It takes less than 20 minutes to make and the hummus can be prepared ahead of time. As always when making something ahead of time and storing in the fridge, make sure to correct the seasoning before serving. Taste it and see if it needs more lemon juice or salt.
Everyone has different tips and tricks for achieving the perfect smooth hummus. I like to use ice-cold water or a few cubes of ice to make it extra light, smooth and creamy. I feel oil weighs it down, so I use some of the syrupy aquafaba, the water in the tin of chickpeas, for a velvety smooth finish. If you’re soaking and cooking your own chickpeas then reserve some of the cooking water for adding to the hummus.
I always like to set aside a few whole chickpeas for garnishing the finished dish. Keep in mind this recipe makes a large amount of hummus as it is the base for this entire dish. Using a high-speed blender like a nutribullet ensures each chickpea is blitzed perfectly.
Pomegranate molasses is now widely available in most supermarkets; it’s the syrupy condensed juice of pomegranates. It can in fact be made by simmering pomegranate juice till it becomes dark and thick. If you can’t find it, then a good substitute is a good quality aged balsamic vinegar, or a squeeze of lemon juice along with a little honey for sweetness.
Scatter the finished dish with toasted pine nuts or flaked almonds and pomegranate seeds, along with some fresh mint or coriander leaves. It’s a beautiful-looking, dramatic dish that’s high on impact and low on effort, perfect for relaxed family celebrations or a midweek feast.
Recipe: Hummus Kawarma
