Save A fresh, wallet-friendly Mediterranean snack platter featuring creamy homemade hummus, warm fluffy pitas, and crisp veggie sticks—healthier and cheaper than store-bought!
Making hummus from scratch instantly became one of my favorite kitchen rituals—the aroma of warm pita wafting through the house and vibrant veggie colors always make snack time feel special at home.
Ingredients
- Cooked chickpeas: 1 1/2 cups (250 g) or 1 can, drained and rinsed
- Fresh lemon juice: 1/4 cup (60 ml), about 1 large lemon
- Tahini: 1/4 cup (60 g)
- Garlic clove: 1 small, minced
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 2 tbsp (30 ml), plus more for serving
- Ground cumin: 1/2 tsp
- Cold water: 2–3 tbsp (30–45 ml)
- Sea salt: 1/2 tsp
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g), plus extra for dusting
- Instant dry yeast: 2 tsp
- Sugar: 1 tsp
- Warm water: 3/4 cup (180 ml)
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Carrots: 2 large, peeled and cut into sticks
- Cucumber: 1, cut into sticks
- Red bell pepper: 1, cut into strips
- Yellow bell pepper: 1, cut into strips
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup (100 g)
Instructions
- Prepare the Hummus:
- In a food processor, combine tahini and lemon juice. Process for 1 minute until creamy. Add olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, and salt. Process for 30 seconds. Add chickpeas and process for 1 minute. Scrape down sides, add 2 tbsp cold water, and process until smooth and fluffy. Add more water if needed for consistency. Taste and adjust salt or lemon as needed. Transfer to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and optionally sprinkle with paprika or sesame seeds.
- Make the Pita Bread:
- In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit 5 minutes until frothy. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a baking stone or tray inside to heat. Punch down dough, divide into 6 balls, and roll each into a 1/4-inch (0.5 cm) thick circle. Place on hot baking tray and bake 3–4 minutes until puffy and just golden. Cover baked pitas with a clean towel to keep soft.
- Prepare Veggie Sticks:
- Wash and cut vegetables into sticks or strips. Arrange on a platter.
- Serve:
- Arrange hummus in a bowl, surround with warm pita bread (cut into wedges) and veggie sticks.
Save This platter is such a hit at family gatherings—everyone loves dipping warm pita into silky hummus together, and even picky eaters go for the bright veggie sticks!
Notes
For extra creamy hummus, peel chickpeas before blending. Add smoked paprika or roasted garlic for flavor variations. Using whole wheat flour makes pita even healthier. Serve with olives or feta for a fuller mezze experience.
Required Tools
Food processor or blender, mixing bowls, rolling pin, baking tray or pizza stone, sharp knife, kitchen towel are all you need for this recipe.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 260 calories, 8 g fat, 39 g carbohydrates, and 9 g protein.
Save This homemade snack tray brings a burst of Mediterranean flavor to any table—fresh, fun, and totally satisfying.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How can I make the hummus extra creamy?
Peeling the chickpeas before blending helps achieve a smoother and creamier texture. Adding a bit more olive oil or cold water can also enhance creaminess.
- → What’s the best way to keep pita bread soft?
Cover the freshly baked pita with a clean kitchen towel immediately after baking to trap steam and keep the bread soft and pliable.
- → Can I substitute whole wheat flour for the pita bread?
Yes, using whole wheat flour adds a nuttier flavor and increases fiber content, though it may result in a denser pita.
- → Which vegetables work best for the veggie sticks?
Carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes bring a good mix of crunch, sweetness, and freshness that complements the creamy hummus.
- → How should I store leftover hummus and pita?
Store hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep pita bread wrapped in foil or in a sealed container to maintain softness.
- → What variations can enhance flavor?
Try adding smoked paprika, roasted garlic, or a drizzle of olive oil on top of hummus. Serving with olives or crumbled feta adds more Mediterranean flair.