Dill Pickle Hummus

This is a slight departure from traditional hummus recipes due to the fact that it doesn't use tahini paste and relies on the juice of pickle brine... although on second thought you could add a tablespoon or two of Tahini if you wish to enhance the texture. As is, it has a more clean, sharp tangy taste and using fresh dill is a must. A perfect dip that is even better as a sandwich spread.  

Dill Pickle Hummus

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1 can (540ml) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 cup pickle juice brine

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

2 tablespoons fresh dill

dash of salt and pepper

1/3 cup chopped dill pickles

Place all the ingredients into a food processor or blender and process until smooth.

Add the 1/3 cup chopped dill pickles and process a bit more. 

Serve with pita bread, crackers, corn chips and sliced vegetables. Can be also used as a sandwich spread.

 

Rosemary Crackers

These simple crackers have a subtle nutty rosemary flavour with a slightly salted top. A wonderful pairing to accompany any cheese board. 

Rosemary Crackers

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1 cup unbleached all purpose flour

1 cup chickpea flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

2/3 cup warm water

1/3 cup olive oil

2 to 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary

sea salt, to lightly sprinkle on top, optional

Preheat oven to 400ºF (200ºC) Line a baking tray with baking parchment paper.

In a large bowl combine, flour, chickpea flour, baking powder, sesame seeds, and  chopped rosemary. Stir in the water and oil, mixing until a smooth dough has formed. Halve the dough.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out half the dough into a large square, as thin aa you can get it... about 1/4 inch or so, they will puff up a bit more in the oven. You can also roll the dough out on a clean sheet of baking parchment paper. 

Cut rolled out dough into small squares or shapes, by hand or by cutter. Place the shapes on to the prepared baking sheet. Pierce with a fork and lightly sprinkle with the sea salt.

Bake until crackers are dry and golden, about 10 to 12 minutes. Pulling the really brown ones. Cool completely on wire racks. Store in an airtight container. 

Notes: you can add more or less of the sesame seeds or not add them at all, it comes down to personal taste. You may also try using a different oil. I cut the cracker dough into shapes by hand, using a ravioli cutter.

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend! - JD