Lebanese Hummus with Savory Spiced Meat

Experience the rich flavors of the Middle East with a timeless classic: Traditional Lebanese Hummus with Spiced Meat. This hearty dish, known affectionately as “Lahme bi Hummus” in Arabic, transcends a mere appetizer, easily serving as a satisfying and wholesome main course that your entire family will adore. For generations, this recipe has been a cornerstone in Lebanese households, a culinary legacy passed down through time. I take immense pride in preparing and serving this authentic creation to my loved ones, ensuring these cherished traditions live on. Beyond its deep cultural roots, this dish is surprisingly straightforward, coming together in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.

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Discovering Lebanese Hummus with Spiced Meat: A Culinary Journey

Lebanese Hummus with Spiced Meat is a culinary masterpiece, showcasing the best of Middle Eastern cuisine in a single, flavorful bowl. At its heart lies a foundation of impossibly creamy, freshly made hummus, a silken blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. This velvety base is then generously crowned with a succulent mixture of finely spiced meat, often sautéed with aromatic onions and crunchy pine nuts. While many traditional versions feature tender lamb, our adaptation utilizes lean beef fillet, meticulously chopped and seasoned to perfection. This makes the dish not only incredibly flavorful but also a lighter, yet equally filling, option suitable for any palate. It’s a dish that perfectly balances earthy, creamy textures with robust, savory notes, making it versatile enough to be served as an impressive appetizer at a dinner party or a comforting, stand-alone meal.

The Enduring Appeal: Why This Dish Steals Our Hearts

There are countless reasons why this easy-to-prepare and inherently healthy traditional dish holds such a special place in our hearts and on our tables. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, appealing to both the youngest and oldest family members with its comforting and satisfying flavors. For my children, it’s a delicious and tangible connection to their Lebanese heritage, allowing them to taste and experience a piece of their roots through one of my most treasured comfort foods.

Beyond its cultural significance and universal appeal, the sheer speed of preparation is a significant draw. In under 30 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a filling and nourishing meal. This efficiency is a lifesaver on those demanding weeknights when time is a luxury, allowing you to serve a wholesome homemade dish without sacrificing precious family moments or resorting to quick takeout. Imagine a flavorful meal ready before you even have time to settle in after a long day!

Furthermore, this recipe is a dream for those who appreciate the art of meal prepping. Both the creamy hummus and the savory spiced beef mixture can be prepared in advance, saving even more time during the week. Simply store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When hunger strikes, gently reheat the spiced meat and assemble your fresh, vibrant bowl of Lahme bi Hummus. This forward-thinking approach ensures you always have a delicious, healthy option readily available, reducing stress and enhancing your culinary routine.

Crafting Your Own Lebanese Hummus with Spiced Meat: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this authentic Lebanese delicacy is a rewarding experience. The process is divided into two main components: preparing the smooth, vibrant hummus and cooking the richly spiced beef topping. Let’s gather our ingredients and embark on this culinary adventure.

Essential Ingredients for an Authentic Experience

To achieve the true taste and texture of Lebanese Hummus with Spiced Meat, selecting quality ingredients is key. Here’s what you’ll need for both components:

For the Creamy Lebanese Hummus:

Chickpeas: Two cans, well-drained. For an ultra-smooth texture, peeling the chickpeas is a traditional (though optional) step that truly elevates the hummus.
Garlic: Three cloves, minced. Fresh garlic provides the most pungent and authentic flavor.
Lemon Juice: ½ cup, freshly squeezed. The brightness of fresh lemon is indispensable for balancing the richness of the tahini and chickpeas.
Tahini: ⅓ cup. A good quality tahini paste is crucial for the characteristic nutty flavor and creamy consistency of authentic hummus.
Ice Cubes: 2-3. These are a secret weapon for achieving that coveted light and fluffy hummus texture.
Salt: 1 teaspoon, or more to taste. Adjust to your preference.

For the Flavorful Spiced Beef Topping:

Beef Fillet: 1 piece. Lean and tender, diced into very small, uniform pieces for quick cooking and a delightful texture. If beef fillet is unavailable, any tender stewing beef can be used, though cooking time may vary.
Onion: 1 small, finely diced. Caramelized onions add a foundational layer of sweetness and depth.
7 Spice Blend: 1 tablespoon. This aromatic Lebanese spice blend is the soul of the meat topping.
Paprika: 1 teaspoon. Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon. For sautéing the onions and beef.
Pine Nuts: 3 tablespoons, toasted. These add a wonderful crunch and a delicate, buttery flavor.
Salt: ¾ teaspoon. To season the beef and bring out its natural flavors.

For a Fresh & Vibrant Garnish:

Chopped Parsley: Roughly chopped, for a burst of freshness and color.
Grape Tomatoes: ½ cup, halved. Adds a juicy, slightly acidic counterpoint.

Detailed Steps to Culinary Perfection

Preparing the Silky Smooth Hummus:

Begin by rinsing and thoroughly draining the canned chickpeas. For an exceptionally smooth hummus, a traditional technique involves gently peeling the outer skins from each chickpea. While time-consuming, this step makes a noticeable difference in texture.
In the bowl of a high-speed food processor, combine the prepared chickpeas, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, tahini, ice cubes, and salt.
Process the mixture until it becomes completely smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times to ensure everything is well incorporated. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of cold water at a time until you reach your desired consistency. The ice cubes are key to achieving that light and airy fluffiness.
Once blended to perfection, transfer the hummus to a shallow serving plate. Using the back of a spoon, smooth out the hummus, creating a slight well or depression in the center. This well will cradle the spiced beef topping beautifully. Place the plate in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the meat; this allows the flavors to meld and the hummus to firm up slightly.

Crafting the Aromatic Spiced Beef Mixture:

Dice the beef fillet into very small, bite-sized pieces. Aim for consistency to ensure even cooking. Finely dice the onion and set it aside.
In a 12-inch non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onions and sauté them gently until they become translucent and beautifully caramelized, developing a sweet aroma and golden-brown color. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Next, add the diced beef to the skillet with the onions. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef browns on all sides and any released water has evaporated. A golden crust on the beef indicates excellent flavor development.
Season the beef and onion mixture with the 7 spice blend, salt, and paprika. Stir well to ensure the spices evenly coat the meat. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the spices to toast and infuse the beef with their rich aromas.

Finally, toss in the toasted pine nuts and remove the spiced meat mixture from the heat. Let it cool for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling period helps the flavors settle and prevents the hot meat from warming the chilled hummus too quickly.
Retrieve the chilled hummus plate from the refrigerator. Carefully spoon the spiced beef mixture into the well you created in the center of the hummus.
Garnish generously with roughly chopped fresh parsley and halved grape tomatoes. These fresh elements add visual appeal, a burst of color, and a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Lebanese Hummus with Spiced Meat

What is 7 Spice Seasoning?

7 Spice, or “Baharat” in Arabic, is one of the most quintessential and commonly used spice blends in Lebanese and broader Middle Eastern cuisine. This aromatic mixture typically comprises a harmonious blend of black pepper, cinnamon, ground cloves, cumin, ground coriander, allspice, and sometimes white pepper or nutmeg. Each spice contributes to a complex flavor profile that is warm, earthy, and subtly sweet, making it incredibly versatile for seasoning meats, stews, and vegetables. You can find pre-made 7 Spice blends at most Middle Eastern markets or online. Alternatively, creating your own blend at home allows you to customize the ratios to your liking, ensuring the freshest and most vibrant flavors. For homemade recipes and more seasoning ideas, explore my collection on Pinterest.

How Do You Toast Pine Nuts to Perfection?

Toasting pine nuts is a simple yet essential step that unlocks their full nutty flavor and adds a delightful textural crunch to the spiced meat mixture. You can toast them in two primary ways:

Oven Method: Spread the pine nuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 5-7 minutes. Be sure to shake or turn the nuts halfway through to ensure even toasting and prevent burning. Pine nuts can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds, so keep a close eye on them!
Stovetop Method: Place the pine nuts in a dry (no oil) skillet over medium-low heat. Toast, stirring constantly, for 2-4 minutes until they turn a light golden brown and become fragrant. Again, watch them very carefully as they can burn quickly.

Once toasted, immediately remove them from the heat and transfer them to a cool plate to stop the cooking process.

What Are the Best Ways to Serve Lebanese Hummus with Spiced Meat?

Hummus with spiced meat is an incredibly versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. It makes a truly delicious and impressive appetizer to share with friends and family. Simply serve it with warm pita bread, which is perfect for scooping up the creamy hummus and savory meat. For a more substantial feel, you can also offer a side of crispy homemade or fresh French fries, creating a delightful contrast in textures.

This dish is also filling enough to stand alone as a delicious and complete dinner recipe. Enjoy it simply by itself, perhaps with extra pita bread for a truly traditional experience. To incorporate more vegetables into your meal, serve this savory hummus dish with a fresh, vibrant side salad. The crisp greens and zesty dressing will beautifully complement the richness of the hummus and meat.

And for a truly unconventional twist, I’ve found a surprising combination that I personally adore: a dollop of ketchup! I know, it sounds a little crazy, and my husband initially reacted with a bewildered “Eww,” but trust me on this one. The tanginess of the ketchup, especially when paired with the seasoned beef and warm pita, creates an unexpected burst of flavor that I absolutely love. You don’t have to try it, of course, but it’s a fun, personal suggestion for the adventurous eater!

Can I Use Ground Meat Instead of Beef Fillet?

Absolutely! While beef fillet provides a wonderfully tender texture, you can certainly use ground beef or even ground lamb for the spiced meat topping. If using ground meat, simply brown it in the skillet with the onions, breaking it up as it cooks, until it’s no longer pink. Then drain any excess fat before adding the spices and pine nuts. The cooking time for ground meat will likely be similar or even slightly shorter than for diced fillet.

What Are Some Tips for the Creamiest Hummus?

Achieving that coveted smooth and creamy hummus texture is easier than you think:

Peel the Chickpeas: As mentioned, this is the ultimate secret weapon for a silky texture. The skins can make hummus slightly grainy.
Good Quality Tahini: Invest in a high-quality tahini paste. Its consistency and flavor significantly impact the final product. Runny, light-colored tahini is often a good indicator of quality.
Add Ice Cubes or Ice Water: Blending with ice cubes or a tiny bit of very cold water helps to emulsify the ingredients and whips air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter, fluffier texture.
Blend Thoroughly: Don’t rush the blending process. Allow your food processor to run for several minutes, scraping down the sides often, until the hummus is utterly smooth and luxurious.
Don’t Skimp on Lemon and Garlic: These are vital for flavor. To temper the pungency of raw garlic, you can let minced garlic sit in a little lemon juice for a few minutes before adding it to the food processor.

How Should I Store and Reheat Leftovers?

Leftover Lebanese Hummus with Spiced Meat can be stored beautifully. It’s best to store the hummus and the spiced meat in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The hummus will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days. The spiced beef mixture can be refrigerated for 3-4 days.

To reheat the spiced meat, gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Avoid overheating to maintain its tenderness. Serve the warm meat over fresh or leftover cold hummus, and garnish as desired. The combination of cool hummus and warm, savory meat is truly delightful.

Did you try this Lebanese Hummus with Spiced Meat and fall in love with it? I would be thrilled to see your culinary creations! Please share your photos on INSTAGRAM using my hashtag for a chance to be featured in my story! Also, be sure to follow me at Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST for all my latest social posts, delicious recipes, and more Middle Eastern culinary inspiration.

Explore More Authentic Lebanese Recipes

If you enjoyed this taste of Lebanon, you’ll love exploring these other traditional dishes:

Maghmour – Lebanese Moussaka
Lebanese Rice Pudding
Lebanese Spicy Potatoes – Batata Harra
Sheikh El Mahshi

Lebanese Hummus with Spiced Meat

By: Mariam Ezzeddine

A creamy and savory traditional Lebanese dish perfect for an appetizer or a quick weeknight meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

Hummus

2 cans Chickpeas, drained
3 cloves Garlic, minced
½ c. Lemon Juice
⅓ c. Tahini
2-3 Ice Cubes
1 tsp. Salt, more to taste

Spiced Beef

1 Beef Fillet
1 small Onion, finely diced
1 Tbsp. 7 Spice
1 tsp. Paprika
1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
3 Tbsp. Pine Nuts, toasted
¾ tsp. Salt

Garnishes

Chopped Parsley
½ c. Grape Tomatoes, Halved

Instructions

To prepare hummus, place the chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, tahini, ice cubes, and salt in the base of a food processor. Blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
Transfer to a shallow plate and smoothen out the hummus with the back of your spoon, creating a round well in the center for the beef. Refrigerate while you cook the beef.
To make the spiced beef mixture, mince the beef into very small pieces. Dice the onion thinly and set aside.
In a 12-inch non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they are caramelized. Add the beef and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the water cooks out and the beef gets a golden color. Next, add the salt, paprika, and 7 spice. Mix together and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the spices to toast.
Toss the toasted pine nuts into the skillet and remove from heat. Let the beef mixture cool for about 5 minutes.
Scoop the beef mixture into the middle of the chilled hummus plate.
Garnish with halved grape tomatoes and chopped parsley. Serve immediately with warm pita bread or french fries.

Notes for the Perfect Dish

For an extra smooth hummus texture, consider peeling the chickpeas after draining.
Always use a good quality tahini paste; it is a fundamental ingredient for authentic and flavorful hummus.
Adding ice cubes while blending the hummus helps whip it into a wonderfully creamy and fluffy texture.
If needed, a tiny bit of hot water can be added through the food processor’s opening while blending to help achieve an even smoother consistency.
To mellow the strong flavor of raw garlic, mince it and let it sit in a little lemon juice for a few minutes before adding to the hummus.
Feel free to adjust garnishes; a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of sumac can also be lovely additions.
If beef fillet is not available, any tender stew meat or good quality ground beef can be used for the topping.

Nutrition Information (per serving)