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Fresh Mediterranean Mezze Platter Recipe with Creamy Hummus

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A quick and easy fresh Mediterranean mezze platter featuring ultra-smooth creamy hummus, fresh veggies, olives, feta, and warm pita, perfect for entertaining and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (reserve a bit of the liquid)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) well-stirred tahini
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt to taste (start with ½ teaspoon)
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) ice-cold water
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) toasted pine nuts for garnish
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • 1 cucumber, sliced into rounds or sticks
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup (150 g) pitted Kalamata olives
  • 1 cup (150 g) mixed marinated artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers
  • 1 cup (150 g) crumbled feta cheese
  • Warm pita bread, cut into wedges (whole wheat or regular)
  • Optional: Stuffed grape leaves (dolmas) for extra authenticity

Instructions

  1. Prepare the hummus base: In your food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, fresh lemon juice, tahini, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, and salt. Pulse until the ingredients start to come together, about 1–2 minutes.
  2. Add ice-cold water: With the processor running, slowly add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of ice-cold water. If the hummus is still thick, add another tablespoon (15 ml) until you reach the desired creaminess. Stop and scrape down the sides as needed.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning: Give it a quick taste and add more salt, lemon juice, or garlic according to your preference. Pulse again to mix.
  4. Toast the pine nuts: Heat a small dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add pine nuts and stir frequently for 2–3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove immediately to a plate to cool.
  5. Prepare the veggies and accompaniments: While the pine nuts toast, slice cucumbers, halve cherry tomatoes, drain olives and marinated artichokes, crumble feta, and warm pita bread in the oven or on a dry pan for a few minutes.
  6. Assemble the platter: Spoon the creamy hummus into a shallow bowl or spread it directly on the platter. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley on top. Arrange the fresh veggies, olives, feta, and pita wedges around it in an inviting way.
  7. Optional final touches: Add a few stuffed grape leaves, a sprinkle of smoked paprika on hummus, or a wedge of lemon on the side for an extra zing.

Notes

Use ice-cold water when blending hummus to achieve a lighter, fluffier texture. Toast pine nuts carefully on low heat to avoid burning. Let hummus rest for 30 minutes if possible to meld flavors. For gluten-free, substitute pita with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks. For vegan, omit feta or use plant-based cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean mezze, hummus, appetizer, easy entertaining, healthy snacks, vegan option, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/fresh-mediterranean-mezze-platter-recipe-with-creamy-hummus-easy-and-perfect-for-entertaining/