If you are looking for a dish that is bursting with rich flavors yet wonderfully simple to pull together, look no further than this Hummus and Spiced Beef Mince Flatbread with Toasted Pine Nuts Recipe. This delightful combination brings together creamy, luscious hummus topped with warmly spiced beef mince and the satisfying crunch of toasted pine nuts, all nestled on soft flatbread. Every bite is a beautiful harmony of textures and tastes, making it an absolute joy to prepare and even more fun to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, creating a perfect balance of flavor and texture that truly elevates the dish beyond ordinary. From the fragrant spices to the freshness of herbs and the crunch of pine nuts, these simple components come together in a wonderful way.
- 1 tsp olive oil: For gently sautéing the onion and garlic, adding a subtle fruity depth.
- 1 onion, finely diced: Provides a sweet and aromatic base to the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed: Adds a punch of savory warmth that complements the meat.
- 500g lean beef mince: The hearty protein foundation, perfectly absorbing all the spices.
- ½ tsp allspice: Gives a warm, slightly sweet undertone that enhances the mince.
- 1 tsp ground cumin: Brings an earthy and nutty layer of flavor.
- 1 tsp ground coriander: Introduces a fresh citrusy note to brighten the mixture.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- ¼ tsp cracked black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
- 500g store bought hummus, room temperature: Creamy, smooth, and ready to spread as the luscious base.
- 30g pine nuts, toasted: Their buttery crunch creates texture contrast and a nutty aroma.
- Fresh parsley and mint: Bright, fresh herbs to lift and brighten every bite.
- Fresh rocket leaves: Peppery greens that add a lively freshness to the flatbread.
- Flatbread: Soft, warm, and perfect to scoop the toppings or wrap up flavors.
- Olive oil or chilli oil: A finishing drizzle that adds richness or a gentle kick.
How to Make Hummus and Spiced Beef Mince Flatbread with Toasted Pine Nuts Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add your finely diced onion and cook it slowly for a few minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. This gentle cooking brings out the onion’s natural sweetness, which makes a perfect foundation for the layers of flavor to come.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Brown the Beef Mince
Once the onions are ready, toss in the crushed garlic and let it cook for just about a minute so it doesn’t burn but releases its aromatic oils. Then add the lean beef mince to your pan. Stir it often as it browns and cooks through evenly, making sure every bit of meat absorbs those inviting onion and garlic flavors.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Sprinkle in the allspice, ground cumin, coriander, salt, and cracked black pepper. Stir the spices into the beef mince well, cooking for another two minutes so that all those lovely fragrant notes really come to life. This spice blend is what gives the mince its warm and exotic personality.
Step 4: Prepare the Base and Assemble
Spread the room temperature hummus evenly across a large round plate, going all the way to the edges to create a creamy base layer. Next, spoon the hot spiced beef mince on top, ensuring an even coat. Finally, scatter the toasted pine nuts over everything. Their toasty crunch adds a delightful texture that lifts the dish to the next level.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley and mint generously across the top, and scatter fresh rocket leaves around the plate or on the side. Drizzle with olive oil or chilli oil to add a silky richness or a gentle heat, and serve immediately with warm flatbreads for scooping and wrapping. This is when it truly shines as a communal feast.
How to Serve Hummus and Spiced Beef Mince Flatbread with Toasted Pine Nuts Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley and mint are not just for color; they brighten the richness of the beef and creaminess of the hummus. A careful drizzle of good olive oil or chilli oil adds that perfect finishing touch that makes each bite linger on your palate. Don’t be shy with the pine nuts—they are the final crunchy, buttery surprise that keeps you coming back.
Side Dishes
This flatbread pairs beautifully with light sides like a crisp cucumber salad or a simple tomato and red onion salad tossed in lemon juice and herbs. If you want something heartier, a bowl of spiced lentil soup or a chilled yogurt dip with fresh herbs can round out the meal, keeping everything balanced and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
To turn this into a shared platter, serve the hummus and spiced beef mince on a large wooden board surrounded by flatbreads hand-torn into pieces, small bowls of toppings like olives or preserved lemons, and extra herbs. This creates a beautiful communal vibe where everyone can build their perfect bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be a rarity), store the spiced beef mince and hummus separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The pine nuts are best kept aside too, so they don’t lose their crunch. This way, you keep everything fresh and ready to be enjoyed again within two days.
Freezing
The beef mince freezes well for up to a month when stored in a freezer-safe container. Avoid freezing the hummus or flatbread to maintain their texture and freshness. When ready to use, thaw the beef mince overnight in the fridge for the best quality.
Reheating
Reheat the beef mince gently over medium heat on the stove or in the microwave to warm it through without drying it out. The hummus is best served at room temperature, so take it out of the fridge a little in advance. Toast or warm the flatbreads before serving to revive their softness and make everything comfortable to eat.
FAQs
Can I use lamb mince instead of beef?
Absolutely! Lamb mince would add a lovely richness and depth to this recipe, pairing beautifully with the warm spices and creamy hummus. Just adjust seasoning as needed since lamb can be a bit fattier and more flavorful.
Is it possible to make the hummus from scratch?
Yes, homemade hummus can elevate this flatbread even more. Using cooked chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil, you can make a fresh, creamy base that’s tailor-made for your taste. Just make sure it is smooth and thick enough to spread nicely.
Can I prepare this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! This dish scales up beautifully. Simply increase the quantities of mince, hummus, and pine nuts accordingly, and use larger platters or multiple plates for serving. It’s perfect for casual gatherings or family meals.
What alternatives are there to pine nuts?
If pine nuts are hard to find or expensive, toasted slivered almonds or chopped walnuts also provide a fantastic crunch and nutty flavor that complements the spiced beef and hummus wonderfully.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients are naturally gluten-free, except for the flatbread. You can easily swap regular flatbread for a gluten-free version or serve the topping over gluten-free crackers or vegetable slices for a similar experience.
Final Thoughts
This Hummus and Spiced Beef Mince Flatbread with Toasted Pine Nuts Recipe is a true celebration of bold flavors and textures coming together in perfect harmony. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together with ease, whether for a casual lunch or a lively dinner. I encourage you to try it soon—you might just find it becomes a new favorite in your cooking repertoire!
PrintHummus and Spiced Beef Mince Flatbread with Toasted Pine Nuts Recipe
A delicious and hearty recipe combining spiced lean beef mince with creamy store-bought hummus, topped with toasted pine nuts and fresh herbs. Served with warm flatbreads and rocket leaves, this dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal in just 25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 500g lean beef mince
- ½ tsp allspice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cracked black pepper
Assembly
- 500g store-bought hummus, room temperature
- 30g pine nuts, toasted
- Fresh parsley and mint (to garnish)
- Fresh rocket leaves (to serve)
- Flatbread (to serve)
- Olive oil or chilli oil (to drizzle)
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté onion: Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for a few minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add garlic and cook: Add the crushed garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Cook beef mince: Add the lean beef mince to the pan and cook while stirring continuously until the meat is browned and cooked through.
- Spice the beef: Add the allspice, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and cracked black pepper to the beef mixture. Stir well and cook for an additional 2 minutes to incorporate the flavors.
- Prepare hummus base and assemble: Spread the store-bought hummus evenly on a large round plate, spreading out to the edges. Top the hummus with the cooked spiced beef mince and sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the top.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the dish with fresh parsley and mint. Serve immediately with warm flatbreads and fresh rocket leaves, drizzled with olive oil or chilli oil for extra flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, substitute olive oil with chilli oil in the cooking process.
- Use wholemeal or gluten-free flatbread to accommodate dietary preferences.
- To toast pine nuts evenly, dry fry them in a pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden, shaking the pan frequently.
- Ensure the hummus is at room temperature for easier spreading and better texture.
- This recipe can be doubled to serve more people or for meal prep.
