Hosting a gathering requires careful attention to various elements, one of which is the snack table. Among the assortment of snacks, a bowl of hummus can leave a lasting impression. While store-bought options offer convenience, the appeal of a homemade version is unparalleled. To elevate your hummus presentation, consider preparing a vibrant pink hummus. This not only promises an exquisite taste but also adds a striking visual element to your spread.
Meet Melisa Denizeri Orley and her unique twist on hummus
Melisa Denizeri Orley, known for her exceptional culinary skills, has captivated guests with a distinctive hummus recipe throughout her adult life. She believes that serving plain hummus fails to create a lasting impression. “I’ve been serving this hummus for years, and it never fails to impress,” she states. The dish also appeals to children; her daughter once remarked, “Mommy, did a unicorn make this?” This playful comment highlights the whimsical quality of Melisa’s creation.
The secret ingredient: beets
The vibrant pink hue of this hummus is achieved through the addition of both red and yellow beets. These vegetables not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide earthy flavors. Melisa emphasizes the significance of connection and community in her cooking. She notes that shelling chickpeas can become a joyful activity to share with friends or family, evoking memories of her childhood in Istanbul, where cooking was often accompanied by laughter and the sounds of a Turkish soap opera.
How to prepare Melisa’s pink party hummus
To impress your guests, follow these steps to recreate Melisa’s renowned pink party hummus.
Ingredients
- 1 large red beet
- 1 medium yellow beet
- 1 cup of dry chickpeas, soaked overnight (or for at least six hours)
- 2 cloves of garlic, smashed and sautéed
- Olive oil, drizzled to achieve your preferred texture
- 2 heaping spoonfuls of tahini
- 1 tablespoon of salt (adjust to taste)
- Toasted pine nuts (optional, for garnish)
For optimal flavor, Melisa recommends sourcing high-quality tahini from a Middle Eastern market. If that is not feasible, the Soom brand serves as a reliable alternative.
Cooking instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Wrap whole beets, skin intact, in aluminum foil and bake for one hour.
- Meanwhile, prepare the chickpeas. Place them in a pot, cover with water, and add an extra inch of water above the chickpeas. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer until tender, approximately 45 minutes.
- After baking, allow the beets to cool slightly before peeling off the skins. While they cool, shell the chickpeas, as this step is essential for achieving a silky texture.
- Once peeled, chop the beets into smaller pieces to facilitate smooth blending.
- In a food processor, combine garlic, chickpeas, and beets. Add olive oil, tahini, and salt, then blend the mixture. Taste after one minute to determine if adjustments are needed.
- Continue blending while gradually adding more olive oil and one to two tablespoons of water until the desired consistency is achieved.
- For presentation, sprinkle reserved chickpeas and toasted pine nuts on top before serving.
This pink hummus complements fresh vegetables such as endives and carrots, making it an appealing addition to any snack table.
Enhancing social gatherings
Appropriate snacks can elevate gatherings from ordinary to exceptional. This pink hummus serves not only as a flavorful option but also as a visually appealing dish. Whether planning a casual get-together or a festive celebration, this recipe can become a staple that encourages joy and conversation among guests.
Consider exploring additional party ideas to become an ideal host or a lively guest at upcoming events.
