This delicious snack will brighten up any room with crisp colorful peppers, creamy seasoned hummus, & sweet pomegranate seeds. Once you make it enjoy the view while it lasts – these bell peppers with za’atar spiced hummus will disappear before you know it!
What is Za’atar Spiced Hummus?
Za’atar is a Middle Eastern seasoning blend typically made of roasted sesame seeds, ground sumac, dried thyme, oregano and/or marjoram, and salt.
I tried za’atar for the first time on a Middle Eastern flatbread called manakeesh. It blew my mind – it was unlike any seasoning I had ever tasted before. It is wonderfully lemony, nutty, and herbal.
Its versatility is also legendary in our kitchen. Mix it with some olive oil and you’ve got yourself a delicious spread for your pita bread, flatbread, or toast. Sprinkle some on your soup for an herby yet zesty taste. Toss in a teaspoon of za’atar in your hummus and notice how nicely it complements the dip’s tahini, lemon, & garlicky goodness.
What ingredients make up Bell Peppers with Za’atar Spiced Hummus?
You’ll need to get your hands on some za’atar seasoning. You can find it in the Middle Eastern section of your supermarket or in a local authentic market.
Get yourself some firm bell peppers, whichever ones you like the most. You can try a variety of colored peppers to get a greater range of flavor. I prefer orange and red peppers when raw as they are sweeter. Totally up to you when it comes to color/taste selection.
For optional toppings/garnish, fresh pomegranate seeds and chopped curly parsley are your besties. You don’t need much but the pomegranate seeds add a lovely sweet burst of taste. The parsley adds a yummy herby element that compliments the pepper tartness.
For hummus, I recommend canned hummus, specifically the stuff that is imported from the Middle East.
If canned hummus sounds no bueno – I get it but hear me out. Hummus literally from the Middle East/Levantine region is authentic AF. My Lebanese husband actually introduced me to canned hummus when I was laboring over washing all the little crevices of my food processor. I totally judged him when he showed me. Then I tried it and incredulously said “this is canned? wtf??”
Canned hummus is a great alternative if you:
- Don’t want to go through the trouble of making hummus from scratch,
- Are not able to get it freshly made from a local Middle Eastern grocery store,
- Don’t want to spend an arm and a leg paying for brands that market hummus as a superfood-godsend to Western culture.
Plus, if there’s anything that will help me create less dishes to wash – it’s a godsend for me!
I will say that canned hummus does need some adjustments to wake up its flavors. I usually add 1 minced garlic clove, 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, a splash of olive oil, and sometimes a teaspoon of tahini. I adjust and taste until it reaches the texture & taste I love.
How to Make Bell Peppers with Za’atar Spiced Hummus?
Whether you’re aiming to make a healthy & yummy snack or don’t know what to do with all the extra bell peppers you impulse purchased in an inspirational (or shameful?) attempt to *eat more vegetables*, it is super easy to put this together.
Slice your peppers lengthwise to keep the walls intact as a convenient hummus scoop.
Then add 1 teaspoon of za’atar seasoning to the hummus & mix. Add more to taste if you’d like.
You can lay your pepper slices out and spoon some hummus into each or place the hummus in a dip bowl. Then you have the choice of sprinkling the hummus with pomegranate seeds, chopped parsley, and za’atar seasoning.
Presentation Tips:
As for presentation, the possibilities are endless!
Lay the dip bowl in the middle of your plate, line up the peppers around it, and spoon on the hummus.
Or toss the peppers on a charcuterie board (or several of them) with the dip bowl nearby.
And finally – enjoy!
