Hummus with Spiced Beef and Pine Nuts
Creamy hummus topped with spiced ground beef, toasted pine nuts, and fresh herbs is a great appetizer or light meal!
A few years ago a few friends of mine started selling the most amazing homemade hummus here in Salt Lake City. First it was just at the farmers market, then local stores had them too, and now they have their own thriving middle eastern restaurant. And every single instagram photo from their menu has me drooling and reaching for the car keys.
One such photo they shared way back in the early days was of their hummus topped with a mixture of ground beef and pine nuts. We immediately recreated it ourselves and it’s been a favorite ever since. This easy dish is perfect for summertime, and it’s one of our favorites for backyard entertaining.
We start with store-bought hummus and usually make it with ground beef, but it can also be made with ground lamb. Cumin, coriander and allspice add spice and flavor, the pine nuts add a wonderful crunch, and the fresh parsley and mint brightens it all up. Served with pita bread, it’s great as both an appetizer for a crowd or as a light main dish for just a few.
Hummus with Spiced Beef and Pine Nuts
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (I used 96% lean)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 cups prepared hummus
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint
- More olive oil , for drizzling
- Pita bread , for serving
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add oil and let heat for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef and sprinkle with spices and salt. Cook until browned completely, stirring frequently, about 5-7 minutes.
- While beef is cooking, toast the pine nuts in a small skillet set over medium low heat, about 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently and watch carefully to make sure they don't burn. Add to the ground beef.
- Spread hummus on a plate or shallow bowl. Top with ground beef and pine nut mixture. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and drizzle a little olive oil over the whole dish. Serve immediately with warmed pita bread.
Notes
- This dish can also be made with ground lamb in place of the ground beef.
