Vibrant Middle Eastern appetizers with hummus, feta, olives, fresh vegetables, and warm pita—ideal for sharing.
# What's Needed:
→ Hummus Base
01 - 1½ cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - ¼ cup tahini paste
03 - 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
04 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
05 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
06 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin
07 - ½ teaspoon salt
08 - 2–3 tablespoons cold water
→ Fresh Vegetables
09 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
10 - 1 cup cucumber, sliced into rounds
11 - 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced into strips
12 - 1 cup carrot sticks
→ Olives & Cheese
13 - 1 cup mixed olives (green and Kalamata), pitted if preferred
14 - 5 ounces feta cheese, cut into cubes or slices
→ Bread
15 - 4 pita breads, cut into triangles
→ Optional Garnishes
16 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
17 - 1 teaspoon sumac or paprika
18 - Lemon wedges
# How To Make It:
01 - Combine chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, and salt in a food processor. Blend until completely smooth, adding cold water one tablespoon at a time until desired creamy consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
02 - Transfer hummus to a shallow serving bowl or spread evenly across a large platter. Create a well in the center, drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle sumac or paprika over the surface.
03 - Artfully arrange cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, carrot sticks, olives, and feta cheese in sections around the hummus. Group like items together for visual appeal and easy access.
04 - Warm pita breads briefly in a dry skillet or oven if desired, then cut into triangles. Arrange around the perimeter of the platter or stack in a separate basket.
05 - Scatter chopped parsley over the platter and place lemon wedges throughout. Serve immediately while vegetables are crisp and pita is warm.