Unconventional Hummus: A Twist You'll Love, Boasting an Innovative Key Ingredient Certain to Win You Over Permanently
A Laid-Back Guide to Mung Bean Hummus for Your Outdoor Feast
Who needs a BS degree in cooking to churn out creamy, delicious hummus? Mung bean hummus, baby, is your game-changer! It's effortlessly smooth, packed with nutty goodness, and an absolute show-stopper at your backyard soirée.
Pair it with our scrumptious garlic-herb flatbreads, crisp seasonal vegetables, or just drizzle it with some oil and herbs. This dip is perfect for starting the evening, yet substantial enough to keep the conversation flowing. That's what we call fireside fine dining!
Ingredients (Serves 7 generously)
- 10.6 oz mung beans
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
- 2 tbsp light tahini, well-stirred
- 3.4 fl oz extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- Juice of 1 lemon, plus extra to taste
- Salt and black pepper
- A handful of mung bean sprouts
- 1⁄2 tsp paprika
The Homes & Gardens Method
- Prep ahead! Soak the mung beans in cold water for at least eight hours or overnight.
- Next day, drain, rinse, and boil 'em until they're tender but still holding their shape (about 45 minutes).
- Blend 'em with garlic, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice until it's smoother than a Greek god's beard.
- Season it well, add more lemon juice if you fancy, and serve it drizzled with oil, sprinkled with mung bean sprouts, and a touch of paprika (or save it for up to two days in the fridge).
- Warm flatbreads, like a boss, at your side.
Looking for something to carry your feast with flair? Well, consider this Joss & Main Clouet wood tray from Wayfair—perfect for transporting drinks and nibbles to your guests. And when the weather changes, it's a versatile centerpiece for candles, vases, or seasonal decorations indoors.
Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of pairing mung bean hummus with your al fresco supper menu. Here are some inspiring ideas:
All-Star Combos
- Veggie Platter: Offer an assortment of sliced cukes, bell peppers, carrots, jicama sticks, and radishes. They provide crunch and freshness, giving a satisfying contrast to the mung bean hummus.
- Flatbread Spectacle: Serve warm or toasted pita, flatbreads, or lavash for scooping or wrapping up with hummus and toppings.
- Grilled Veggy Wonder: Char your zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus for a smoky, seasonal twist.
Bold Moves
- Crudité Paradise: Bring on the more vibrant veggies like snap peas, celery, and berries for added color and texture.
- Fruity Element: While more popular with sweeter hummus (like mango hummus), a few slices of crisp apple or pear add a subtle sweet contrast to the earthy mung bean hummus.
- Pickled Gems: Dazzle your taste buds with pickled onions, roasted peppers, or marinated artichokes for tang and complexity.
- Crunchify: Sprinkle pine nuts, almonds, or sesame seeds for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Fresh Flash: Garnish with parsley, cilantro, or mint for a burst of freshness that elevates the dish.
Use these ideas to create a lively, flavorful, and visually stunning al fresco supper menu, featuring mung bean hummus as both a dip and a versatile spread. Happy feasting, you host rockstar!
Cooking mung bean hummus for your outdoor feast can be a delightful part of your food-and-drink lifestyle, seamlessly blending into your home-and-garden setup. Serve it with a variety of vegetables, flatbreads, or pickled gems to create a diverse, visually appealing, and flavorful recipe for your al fresco supper menu. Your guests will appreciate the effortless elegance of this backyard dining experience, while still enjoying the nutty goodness of mung bean hummus.
