Recipe: Falafel & Hummus Jerusalem Pizza

Introduction

Falafel and hummus are iconic Middle Eastern dishes that have gained popularity worldwide. Combining these delicious flavors with a pizza twist, we present to you the Falafel & Hummus Jerusalem Pizza recipe. This fusion dish is a delightful blend of crispy falafel, creamy hummus, and a variety of fresh toppings, all served on a homemade pizza crust.

Ingredients

Pizza Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup warm water

Falafel:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• Vegetable oil for frying

Hummus:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3 tablespoons tahini
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

Toppings:

• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced cucumbers
• Sliced red onions
• Diced bell peppers
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Squeeze of lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Gradually add the olive oil and warm water while stirring. Once the dough starts to come together, transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise for about an hour until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Falafel

In a food processor, blend the dried chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and baking soda until a coarse mixture is formed. Shape the mixture into small falafel balls and fry them in vegetable oil until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

Step 3: Prepare the Hummus

In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and cumin. Blend until smooth and creamy. If needed, add a splash of water to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Roll out the pizza dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread a generous amount of hummus evenly over the dough. Arrange the falafel balls on top of the hummus. Add the sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and bell peppers as desired.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the pizza for an extra tangy flavor. Slice and serve hot.

Conclusion

The Falafel & Hummus Jerusalem Pizza is a unique twist on traditional pizza, bringing together the vibrant flavors of falafel and hummus in a delicious fusion. This recipe allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds, combining Middle Eastern favorites with the comfort of a pizza. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a flavorful meal, this pizza is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you wanting more.