Warm Hummus Topped With Crispy Pastrma' Recipe

Hummus is a favorite mediterranean dish--it's perfect to serve at parties as a dip or spread or use it to add flavor to sandwiches. There are many different recipes for hummus out there, as well as numerous ready-made hummus brands sold in stores. Once you try this recipe for turkish-style hummus, you just might stick it with for a lifetime. "Whats the difference?" You may ask. The first is in the way its served and eaten. In turkey, hummus is usually served as an appetizer, or meze. It's usually spooned onto your plate and eaten with a fork, rather than served as a dip or a spread on sandwiches or pita slivers. When it comes to ingredients, the basics are the same, but turkish hummus usually calls for much more tahini than most greek or middle eastern recipes. This gives it a heartier sesame flavor. The biggest difference is that turkish hummus is often served warm. After your first taste of this warm turkish hummus topped with crispy pieces of pastrma, similar to spicy cured beef, you'll fall in love. This recipe can be served at room temperature like other hummus, but if you want to impress your family and guests, try serving it hot. All you need is a shallow clay or another oven-proof bowl. Simply prepare the hummus as directed, put it in an oven-proof serving bowl and bake it in the oven until heated through. Garnish the top with some crumbled turkish pastrma, dried beef, crumbled bacon or jerky that's been crisped up in a small frying pan.