Hummus Balila

Balila is a Traditional Syrian street dish, consisting of chickpeas which are overcooked with garlic, cumin and olive oil and a few drops of lemon juice. It’s served as a hot mezze dish.

The name is also used for a different Egyptian dish made of wheat, milk, nuts, and raisins.

Some people like to mash the Balila with a fork before scooping a bite with the fresh soft pita bread and others like to add toasted pita pieces to the dish.

Ingredients:    

1- 2 cups canned chickpeas

2- 1 clove garlic, crushed

3- 4 tablespoons lemon juice

4- 5/1 cup olive oil

5- 1 teaspoon cumin

6- 1 teaspoon salt

For garnishing:

1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

Steps:

1- Empty the chickpeas and the water into a pot and put over low heat until warm. Drain the chickpeas and put them in a serving bowl. Keep half a cup of the water for the dressing.

2- To prepare the dressing: combine the lemon juice and olive oil with the reserved water. Add the crushed garlic, salt and ½ teaspoon of cumin.

3- Mash three tablespoons of chickpeas and add them to the dressing and mix well.

4- Pour the dressing over the chickpeas and stir.

5- Sprinkle the rest of the cumin on the balila and garnish with chopped parsley.

Serve warm with pita bread.

Lara Khouli