Recipes

Avocado Hummus with Pistachio Salsa Verde

Serves8
Ingredientsavocados
Day PartSnack
Menu PartAppetizer/Small Plate
Cuisine TypeMediterranean
Avocado hummus

Chef Brian Reimer

Farmshop

Santa Monica, Calif.

At Farmshop in Santa Monica, chef Brian Reimer gives hummus a California spin by blending in fresh avocados along with the traditional chickpeas and tahini. Pistachios, another California crop, add color, crunch and toasty notes to the salsa verde that’s spooned on top.  

Ingredients

Avocado Hummus

6 oz. dried chickpeas

Baking soda as needed

3 Tbsp. ice, crushed

¼ cup (2 oz.) tahini

¼ cup (2 oz.) fresh lemon juice

¾ cup (6 oz.) extra virgin olive oil

2 ripe avocados, peeled and seeded

Pistachio Salsa Verde

1/3 cup (1-¾ oz.) raw pistachios

1 Tbsp. grated lemon zest

3 Tbsp. (¼ oz.) sliced chives

3 Tbsp. (¼ oz.) chopped parsley

Fleur de sel to taste

1 Tbsp. olive oil

Accompaniments

Nigella seeds, for garnish

Assorted vegetables, prepped for dipping

Flatbread or lavash, for dipping

Za’atar, if desired

Steps

  1. For hummus, Place dried chickpeas in a strainer and wash under cold running water, removing any foreign matter or damaged chickpeas. Transfer to a large bowl or pot, cover well with cold water, add a pinch of baking soda and soak overnight. Drain chickpeas and wash again under cold running water. Put chickpeas in a large pot and cover completely with water. Add another pinch of baking soda. Set pot over moderate heat and bring water to a low boil. Reduce to a simmer; skim any foam or skins that rise to the top of the water. Simmer until chickpeas are very soft and can be easily pressed between two fingers (up to 2 hours). Drain chickpeas.
  2. Place the cooked chickpeas into the bowl of a food processor along with the crushed ice.  Pulse until a smooth paste forms.
  3. Add tahini and pulse until smooth, then add the lemon juice. With the machine running, add the olive oil in a slow stream.
  4. Add the avocados and pulse until the mixture is a smooth paste.  Add salt to taste.
  5. For salsa verde, preheat oven to 325°F. Spread the pistachios on a baking sheet and bake them until they are lightly toasted, about 5-6 minutes.
  6. Remove pistachios from the oven, and lightly chop them while still warm. Add the lemon zest to the warm pistachios, along with the chives and parsley. Mix well and season with salt. Mix in the olive oil. Set aside.
  7. To server, pour avocado hummus into a serving bowl. Distribute Pistachio Salsa Verde over the top. Sprinkle with Nigella seeds. Serve with assorted vegetables and flatbread or lavash seasoned with za’atar.

Photo courtesy of California Avocado Commission

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