In a world of culinary fusions, few combinations are as unexpected, yet somehow made for one another as the fusion of two distinct cuisines. One such fusion that has been gaining popularity in recent years is the marriage of a perfectly cooked steak with the creamy, savory goodness of hummus. In this blog post, we're going to dive into the delectable world of steak and hummus, exploring the flavors, textures, and the story behind this mouthwatering pairing.
A Match Made in Heaven
Hummus: A versatile and beloved Middle Eastern dip that has transcended borders to become a global sensation. Made primarily from ground chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and various seasonings, hummus is known for its smooth and creamy consistency. It's a protein-packed powerhouse that's perfect for dipping, spreading, or even as a side dish. I love it!
Steak: On the other side of the plate, we have steak—a carnivore's delight. Steak comes in various cuts, each offering a unique texture and flavor profile. Whether you prefer a tender filet mignon, a marbled ribeye, or a robust sirloin, the art of grilling or searing steak to perfection is a culinary journey in itself.
Serving Suggestions
Creating a steak and hummus dish is as much an art as it is a science. Here are some serving suggestions to get your creative culinary juices flowing:
-
Classic Combo: Grill your favorite steak to perfection, slice it into strips, and serve it atop a generous scoop of traditional hummus. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of paprika, but I prefer chopped cilantro.
-
Mediterranean Twist: Season your steak with Mediterranean spices like oregano and thyme. Serve it with hummus infused with lemon zest, chopped Kalamata olives, and a touch of feta cheese. This is a personal favorite of mine.
-
Spicy Fusion: Kick up the heat by marinating your steak with a spicy steak rub. Pair it with hummus that's been blended with a dash of hot sauce, diced jalapeños, and roasted garlic. This is definitely worth the try!
Hummus Ingredients:
- 2 (15) ounce. Cans Chickpeas
- 1/3 cup. Tahini
- 1 Lemon, juiced
- Zest, of one lemon
- 2 Teaspoons. Garlic Paste
- 2-3 Tablespoons. Olive Oil
- Salt, to taste
- 1-2 Ice Cubes
- 2-3 Tablespoons. Water
- Fresh Cilantro, or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chickpeas:
- If using canned chickpeas, rinse and drain them thoroughly. Cook chickpeas in a pot, over medium heat, with just enough water to cover them and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Bring to a boil, and continue boiling chickpeas for 10 minutes. If using dried chickpeas, cook them according to package instructions with 1 teaspoon of baking soda until they are soft and easily mashed. Drain and allow them to cool slightly.
-
Peel the Chickpeas (Optional but recommended for smoother texture):
- Place the cooked chickpeas in a large bowl of water and rub them gently between your fingers. The skins should loosen and float to the surface. Skim off the skins and discard them.
-
Blend the Ingredients:
- In a food processor, combine the peeled chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic paste, and salt.
- Start blending at a low speed and gradually increase it. If the mixture seems too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. You want it to be smooth and creamy.
-
Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, lemon juice, or cumin to suit your taste.
-
Serve:
- Transfer the hummus to a serving dish. Create a small well in the center with the back of a spoon and drizzle extra-virgin olive oil into it.
- Sprinkle paprika over the top and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired.
-
Enjoy:
- Serve your homemade hummus with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or as a dip for your favorite snacks.
Steak Ingredients:
- 1 pound. Cubed Steak
- 1 teaspoon. Salt
- 1 teaspoon. Pepper
- 1 teaspoon. Paprika
- 1 teaspoon. Cayenne Pepper
- 2 tablespoons. Garlic/Herb Butter
- 2 Tablespoons. Olive Oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the Steak: Start by adding the steak into bowl with olive oil. Mix the steak with the olive oil until every piece is completely coated in oil.
-
Heat Skillet: Over medium-high heat, add steak into the hit skillet and sear on all sides for 1-2 minutes.
-
Season Steak: Season the steak with salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix steak in pan ensuring each piece is coated in seasonings.
- Add Butter: Add garlic/herb butter and baste the steak in butter for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove steak from the skillet and allow the steak to rest for 3-5 minutes. Serve steak directly on top of the hummus in the center.
Steak and hummus may have originated from different corners of the world, but their union on the plate is a testament to the endless possibilities of food fusion. Whether you're enjoying this dish in the comfort of your home or savoring it at a restaurant, the combination of a perfectly cooked steak and creamy hummus promises an adventure for your taste buds.