Appetizer · Small Plate · Mezze · Middle Eastern

Spiced Lamb Hummus Kawarma

A luxurious Middle Eastern mezze featuring silky smooth hummus topped with sizzling, warm-spiced lamb and buttery toasted pine nuts.

4.8(433 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Spiced Lamb Hummus Kawarma — Middle Eastern Appetizer served and photographed from above
Prep
20 min
Cook
15 min
Difficulty
Medium
Serves
4

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Before you start

    How to Make Spiced Lamb Hummus Kawarma

    Total time: 35 min · Yields 4 servings

    1. 1

      Prepare the Hummus

      In a food processor, blend the chickpeas and garlic until a thick paste forms. Add the tahini, lemon juice, and salt. While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the ice-cold water and blend for 3-5 minutes until the texture is exceptionally light and creamy.

    2. 2

      Toast the Pine Nuts

      In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and fry for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until they are golden brown. Remove the pine nuts with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the infused oil in the pan.

    3. 3

      Sauté the Lamb

      Increase the heat to medium-high in the same skillet. Add the lamb, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with seven-spice, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the lamb is browned and starting to crisp at the edges.

    4. 4

      Plate and Serve

      Spread a generous layer of hummus onto a wide, shallow plate, creating a well in the center using the back of a spoon. Spoon the hot lamb and any pan juices into the well. Top with the toasted pine nuts, a dusting of sumac, fresh parsley, and a final drizzle of olive oil.

    Chef's Tips

    • Use ice-cold water when blending hummus to aerate the tahini for a fluffier texture.
    • For the smoothest hummus, peel the skins off the chickpeas before blending.
    • Do not overcook the pine nuts; they turn from golden to burnt very quickly.

    What to Serve with Spiced Lamb Hummus Kawarma

    The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.

    • Warm, pillowy pita bread
    • Pickled turnips and cucumbers
    • Sliced radishes and fresh mint leaves
    • A side of Fattoush salad

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I use ground beef instead of lamb?

    Yes, ground beef or even a mix of beef and lamb works well, though lamb is more traditional for its richer flavor.

    Can the hummus be made in advance?

    The hummus can be made up to 2 days ahead, but the lamb should be cooked just before serving to maintain the temperature contrast.

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