Appetizers,  Dinner,  Eggplant,  Gluten-free,  Grilled,  Sides,  Snacks,  Vegan

Hummus Bowl

Traditionally, hummus is a savory Mediterranean dish of chick peas, tahini paste, garlic, olive oil, lemon, and spices.  However, there are so many varieties out there, blending in pesto, roasted peppers, artichokes, olives or using black beans or cannellini beans instead of chick peas. So, whenever I spot hummus on a menu, it’s my immediate go-to, to try out their version and most often, I’m pleased, unless it’s overly oily!

A few weeks back, a coworker and I were out looking for venues for a holiday work event and happen to come across an adorable, quaint restaurant called The Hummus House.  I was greatly pleased she was as much of a fan of hummus as I was, so it was an agreeable choice for lunch.

Naturally, hummus is their signature ingredient that they make fresh daily from organic chickpeas.  They serve vegan and vegetarian dishes with an Israeli, Middle Eastern meatless twist.  Along with a menu of salads, pita pockets and appetizers, they offer Hummus Bowls with a choice of toppings and served with pita bread.

The roasted eggplant was my choice for a topping, however, the many options were all so tempting.  Baked cauliflower, sautéed mushrooms, falafel balls, and several meatless options of grilled “chicken” schawarma, spicy ground “beef” and grilled “chicken” strips in BBQ sauce.

So of course, being totally obsessed with this little restaurant and the Hummus Bowl, I did what I always do, head home and try to recreate my experience.  There’s no real “recipe” here, except for making quality hummus or purchasing your favorite as the base for your bowl.

After you’ve placed a generous portion in your bowl – or on a platter and share – toppings are to your liking; I chose to grill eggplant, zucchini and roasted red peppers as it was hard enough at the restaurant to just select one topping!  I also added some roasted chick peas and pine nuts.  I did not drizzle on any additional olive oil, but you may do so for that classic look and taste.  Homemade pita bread is always the best, feel free to try out my recipe or buy the best you can find.

Of course, if you are in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area, you must check out the Hummus House personally.  Their hummus is perfectly made, soft and creamy.  My coworker raved over her salad with “chicken” (and she is not even vegan!).  The atmosphere is fun and welcoming, service was friendly and responsive. And trust me, just because I can make something similar at home, I am looking forward to returning and trying out many of their other menu items!

I love being in the kitchen. Early mornings, soft music, a hot espresso. Easing into the preparation of delicious meals. Glancing through cookbooks, gathering inspiration and planning my day. I look forward to the cycles of the seasons, the pleasures of tasting and savoring and sharing this with those dear to me. Weekends are special to me as my week days are often rushed, but still I create the ambiance, light the candles, set the table and uncork the wine.

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