by Breshay Woods, Culinary Literacy Center Intern

Edible Alphabet is a free English Language Learning (ELL) program offered by the Free Library's Culinary Literacy Center. Our mission is to teach English language and literacy skills through hands-on cooking projects. For the time being, all Edible Alphabet classes are being run virtually in the interest of public health and safety. During weeks when virtual classes are on break, we will be sharing weekly recipes from our class curriculum and participants.

Hummus is a popular dip with origins in the Middle East and the Mediterranean that has become favored all over the world. It is typically savory and generally served with flatbread. I often turn to this recipe in the summer, when my vegetable garden is producing cucumbers, peppers, and green beans (all of which are especially delicious dipped into hummus). 

Here is the recipe for hummus and flatbread that we use in our Edible Alphabet English class:

Hummus and Flatbread Recipe

Ingredients

Flatbread:

• 2 ½ Cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 2 tsp. salt
• ⅔ Cup water
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 egg whites (divided)
• Seeds, herbs, salt, and spices for seasoning

Hummus:

• 1 can (15 oz.) chickpeas
• ½ C up sesame tahini
• 2-3 cloves garlic
• 1-2  lemons (juice only)
• ½ tsp. ground cumin
• ½ Cup olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions

Flatbread

1. Preheat oven to 400° F. and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
2. Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Add water, olive oil, and one egg white to the large bowl.
4. Mix the ingredients. Place dough on a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth.
5. Divide the dough into 16 balls and roll until paper-thin.
6. Place the dough on a baking sheet and brush with the remaining egg white.
7. Sprinkle the crackers with the seasoning of your choice.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Hummus

1. Rinse chickpeas and place them in a food processor or blender.
2. Add all other ingredients except olive oil. Pulse the food processor, and then scrape down the mixture from the sides.
3. Turn the machine on high and slowly pour the olive oil until the hummus is smooth and creamy.
4. Cool flatbreads briefly, then dip in hummus and enjoy!

Looking for different ways to customize your hummus? Check out the following cookbooks that incorporate various hummus dishes that everyone can create!

Edible Alphabet is made possible through the generous support of the Dry Family Foundation and Dietz & Watson.

For more information about Edible Alphabet and the Culinary Literacy Center, visit freelibrary.org/cook or email kitchen @ freelibrary.org.

Enjoy this recipe? Leave a comment and stay tuned for more Edible Alphabet recipes in the coming weeks