Mediterranean recipes featuring pine nut flakes

Mediterranean cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients that pair effortlessly. Here are two simple and delicious recipes featuring pine nut flakes – an ingredient that adds a distinctive texture and rich nutty aroma to dishes.

Hummus with pine nut flakes

Ingredients:

• 400 g canned chickpeas (you can also use dried chickpeas – soak and cook them first)
• 2–3 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (to taste)
• 1–2 cloves of garlic (to taste)
• 2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2–3 tablespoons pine nut flakes
• Salt to taste
• A little cold water (to achieve the desired consistency)
• For garnish: paprika, parsley, a little more pine nut flakes

Instructions:

If using canned chickpeas, rinse them well under cold water. For a smoother texture, you can remove the skin from each chickpea – it takes a little time, but the result is worth it!

Next, place the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil into the bowl of a blender or food processor.

Now add the pine nut flakes. It will give the hummus a pleasant texture and a light nutty aroma.

Next, begin blending, gradually adding cold water until you reach the desired creamy consistency. Add salt to taste and blend again.

Spoon the hummus into a bowl and make a small indentation with a spoon. Drizzle olive oil on top, sprinkle with paprika, finely chopped parsley, and, of course, a pinch of pine nut flakes for color and extra flavor. Serve with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or crackers.

Greek salad with pine nut flakes

Ingredients:

• 2–3 tomatoes,
• 1–2 cucumbers
• 1 red onion,
• 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow), diced
• 100–150 g feta cheese
• A handful of pitted olives
• 2–3 tbsp pine nut flakes
• Fresh oregano or parsley leaves for garnish (optional)

For the dressing:

• 4–5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1–2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice or red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and bell pepper. Add the olives and crumbled feta cheese to the vegetables.

Next, sprinkle the salad evenly with pine nut flakes, and in a separate small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice (or vinegar), dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk well with a fork until emulsified.

Just before serving, drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.

Sprinkle the salad with fresh oregano or parsley leaves, if using. This salad makes a great addition to any Mediterranean lunch or dinner!