Enough ugly reality; now we’re back to our regularly scheduled programming of avoidant, happy posts…

This isn’t the smooth, creamy dip we know today, but a rustic, nutty dish called Himmas Kassa from a recipe preserved in a medieval 14th-century Egyptian cookbook.

The marriage of ingredients elevates the humble chickpea into a dish worthy of royalty. I’ll definitely make it for Thanksgiving this year.

This is my very own, very basic Hummus Recipe. It’s SO easy! https://enchantedseashells.com/2023/06/14/zesty-veggie-hummus-vegan-pinwheels/

Instead of blended until silky smooth, Himmas Kassa was coarse, full of texture, and mixed with walnuts, fresh herbs, and spices like cinnamon, ginger, and caraway. It was served at banquets as one of the opening courses, to showcase the host’s refinement and generosity.

Recipe

• 1 cup boiled chickpeas
• 2 tablespoons tahini stirred with 2 tablespoons water and 2 tablespoons wine vinegar
• ¼ cup finely ground walnuts stirred with 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1 teaspoon wine vinegar
• ½ cup chopped parsley
• ¼ cup chopped mint
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon each of caraway coriander, black pepper, ginger, and cinnamon, all crushed
• ½ teaspoon salt
• For garnish: olive oil, olives, chopped pistachios

Instructions 

• In a mixing bowl, mash the boiled chickpeas until they form a coarse paste.
• Stir in the tahini mixture and the walnut mixture until combined.
• Fold in the parsley, mint, olive oil, and spices. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
• Transfer to a shallow serving dish. Garnish with olive oil, olives, and pistachios.
• Serve with flatbread, pita, or crackers. Also delicious spread on tortillas.
• I’d also serve with carrot sticks and cucumbers, sliced apples and jicama.

https://eatshistory.com/medieval-hummus-recipe-one-of-the-first-recorded-recipes-himmas-kassa/

Featured image courtesy of Pinterest