Effortless Summer Entertaining: Gourmet Hummus Bowl & Spicy Tomato-Chilli-Caraway Jam Recipes with Arden’s Snacks
Welcome to a culinary journey designed for easy summer entertaining and delightful everyday snacking. This post presents two utterly delicious recipes: a vibrant hummus bowl adorned with crispy North African-spiced chickpeas, and a remarkably versatile tomato, chilli, and caraway jam. Both recipes are perfectly complemented by Arden’s exquisite savory snacks, forming the ideal foundation for any gathering or a simple, satisfying treat. This post is proudly sponsored by Arden’s, a brand that truly understands the art of flavor.
As a devoted snack enthusiast, my days often involve continuous grazing. While I do appreciate the occasional sweet treat, I consciously gravitate towards savory options to maintain balance and avoid excessive sugar intake. Finding snacks that are both indulgent and mindful can sometimes be a challenge, but a recent discovery has transformed my snacking routine.
I was thrilled when Arden’s, a name synonymous with quality and robust flavor, sent me a selection of their delectable savory snacks to sample. Accompanying these goodies were two ingenious recipes, thoughtfully crafted to highlight the unique characteristics of their products. This collaboration has opened up a world of exciting flavor combinations, proving that simple ingredients can be elevated into truly memorable dishes.
Arden’s prides itself on crafting a diverse range of savory delights, including premium crackers, elegant breadsticks, flavorful biscuits, and tempting twists. Their brand philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: taste reigns supreme. They are committed to delivering full-on flavor in every bite, without compromising on indulgence or quality in the name of fleeting trends. This dedication to authentic, mouth-watering taste is something I wholeheartedly endorse and appreciate. It’s a philosophy that ensures every Arden’s product is a treat for the senses, making them perfect companions for creative recipes or simply enjoyed on their own.
Among the exquisite items I received were the Mediterranean Tomato & Basil Twists. These delicate, all-butter puff pastry twists are infused with the vibrant taste of tangy yet sweet Mediterranean tomatoes and the fragrant aroma of basil. Their crisp, light texture makes them an ideal choice for dipping, adding a delightful crunch and burst of flavor to any spread. They provide the perfect counterpoint to richer dips and spreads, making them a staple for any discerning snack lover or party host.
The first tantalizing recipe provided by Arden’s was for a gourmet hummus bowl featuring crispy North African chickpeas. As a true hummus aficionado, I can confidently say that this rendition quickly became one of the best hummus experiences I’ve ever had! The depth of flavor, combined with the contrasting textures, was simply irresistible. I found myself devouring most of the bowl single-handedly, and the Mediterranean Tomato & Basil Twists proved to be the absolute perfect vehicle for scooping up every last bit of this glorious dip.
Crafting this loaded hummus bowl is surprisingly simple, yet the results are incredibly impressive. It begins with chickpeas, generously seasoned with fragrant Ras el hanout, a classic North African spice blend known for its aromatic and complex profile. These spiced chickpeas are then roasted to a perfect crisp, adding an addictive crunch to the creamy base. The prepared hummus, whether a convenient store-bought variety or a homemade masterpiece, is then spooned onto a platter. The crispy chickpeas are scattered over the top, followed by a vibrant swirl of rose harissa, a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and delicate slices of preserved lemon and briny green olives. The interplay of fragrant spices, the rich creaminess of the hummus, and the bright, sharp notes from the lemon and olives creates an utterly moreish flavor symphony. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of savory, spicy, tangy, and textural delight, making it impossible to stop at just one serving.
This recipe is an absolute game-changer for effortlessly transforming everyday hummus into a show-stopping dish. It’s ideal for summer entertaining, offering an impressive spread without requiring hours in the kitchen. For a casual dinner, simply serve it with Arden’s Mediterranean Tomato & Basil Twists and some fresh carrot sticks for a wholesome and satisfying meal. Its vegan and plant-based nature also makes it a crowd-pleaser for diverse dietary preferences, ensuring everyone at your table can enjoy this flavorful delight.
Hummus Bowl With Crispy North African Chickpeas Recipe:
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Hummus Bowl With Crispy North African Chickpeas
Ingredients
- 1 box Arden’s Mediterranean Tomato & Basil Twists
- 400 g (14oz) hummus can be homemade or shop-bought
- 1 x 210g (7.5oz) tin chickpeas
- 1 tsp Ras el hanout
- 1 Tbsp rose harissa
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 preserved lemon sliced
- 1 handful green olives sliced
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/gas mark 4. Drain the chickpeas and pat dry with some kitchen paper. Place the chickpeas on a baking tray and drizzle with a little olive oil, sprinkle over the Ras el hanout and season generously. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
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Spoon the hummus onto a plate or shallow bowl, take a large spoon with a round base, using the base of the spoon create a hollow in the middle ready to fill with your chickpeas.
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Scatter the chickpeas, preserved lemon and green olives into the middle of the hummus bowl. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil and dollop over the rose harissa. Serve with the Arden’s Mediterranean Tomato & Basil Twists.
Homemade Tomato, Chilli And Caraway Jam: A Perfect Companion for Cheese & Snacks
Beyond the savory twists, I also had the pleasure of sampling Arden’s Lockerbie Cheddar & Caramelised Onion Chutney Bites. These delightful biscuits are a testament to Arden’s commitment to flavor, featuring a buttery, melt-in-the-mouth texture and rich notes of authentic Lockerbie cheddar perfectly balanced with sweet, savory caramelised onion chutney. To complement these exquisite bites, Arden’s provided another fantastic recipe: a homemade tomato, chilli, and caraway jam.
This vibrant jam is a revelation, boasting a complex flavor profile that is sweet, tangy, smoky, and subtly spicy. It serves as the ideal accompaniment to the buttery richness of the Lockerbie Cheddar & Caramelised Onion Chutney Bites, as well as an array of creamy cheeses. While it enhances virtually any cheese, I particularly enjoyed it with the delicate creaminess of brie, creating an unforgettable taste sensation. The unique combination of flavors within the jam, particularly the distinctive notes of caraway, truly elevates it beyond a standard chutney or relish.
For those looking to assemble the perfect cheeseboard, a few simple tips can go a long way. Aim for 3-4 cheeses with contrasting flavors and textures – a classic and always popular combination includes a sharp cheddar, a soft brie, and a pungent stilton. Remember to bring your cheeses to room temperature before serving to allow their full flavors to develop. Pair your cheeseboard with a good bottle of light red wine, an assortment of Arden’s artisanal crackers, and, of course, a generous serving of this incredible tomato, chilli, and caraway jam. This thoughtful presentation transforms simple ingredients into an elegant and enjoyable experience for your guests.
Beyond its stellar performance on a cheeseboard, this homemade jam offers remarkable versatility. It’s utterly delicious when spread into sandwiches or pastries, adding a burst of sweet and spicy flavor. Furthermore, it boasts excellent keeping qualities, making it a thoughtful and impressive homemade gift for friends and family. Its unique flavor profile ensures it stands out, and the effort put into making it truly shines through. Whether you’re enhancing your lunch or crafting a special present, this jam is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire.
Coincidentally, this week also marks National Picnic Week, and with the reasonable weather we’re experiencing, both the loaded hummus bowl and the tomato, chilli, and caraway jam are absolutely perfect for packing up and taking on a delightful picnic. Imagine the vibrant flavors under the open sky, shared with loved ones – these recipes are designed for portability and enjoyment, making your outdoor dining experience truly special. They offer a refreshing alternative to traditional picnic fare and are sure to impress.
Creating this tomato, chilli, and caraway jam is a surprisingly straightforward process, requiring no special equipment like a thermometer. The journey to this flavorful preserve begins by roasting fresh plum tomatoes, a selection of vibrant chillies (red jalapenos for a kick!), and garlic cloves until they are tender and lightly charred, which deepens their inherent sweetness and adds a smoky dimension. Once perfectly roasted, these ingredients are pulsed in a blender until they reach a roughly chopped consistency, retaining some textural integrity.
Next, finely diced red onion is sautéed in a wide, shallow pan until beautifully golden and translucent, forming a sweet and aromatic base. The blended tomato and chilli mixture is then added to the pan, along with rich dark brown sugar, tangy red wine vinegar, savory soy sauce, smoky paprika, and the distinct, earthy notes of caraway seeds. This combination creates a complex and deeply satisfying flavor profile that is both familiar and exotic.
To infuse the jam with even more aromatic depth, a unique spice bag is prepared. Half a lime, fragrant bay leaves, thin slices of fresh ginger, and whole cumin seeds are tied securely within a piece of muslin cloth. This aromatic sachet is then added to the simmering mixture, allowing its essences to gently perfume the jam as it cooks, without the need to pick out individual spices later. This method ensures a beautifully clean and infused flavor.
The jam is then gently simmered, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to reduce significantly. The key to knowing it’s perfectly done is the “trail test”: when you drag a wooden spoon through the jam, it should leave a clear trail on the bottom of the pan, indicating that it has reached the ideal consistency. This traditional method ensures a perfectly set and richly flavored jam every time, ready to be enjoyed or carefully preserved.
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Tomato, Chilli And Caraway Jam
Ingredients
- 1 box Arden’s Lockerbie Cheddar & Caramelised Onion Chutney Bites
- 500 g (18 oz) fresh plum tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic
- 8 red jalapeno chilli peppers
- extra virgin olive oil
- 270 g (about 3 small) red onions
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 120 ml (½ cup) red wine vinegar
- 200 g dark brown soft sugar
- 1 Tbsp caraway seeds
- 2 tsp coriander seeds
- ½ lime
- 2 bay leaves
- 5cm piece fresh ginger
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/gas mark 6. Remove the stems from the chillies and cut in half length ways (you can remove the seeds if you would like the jam to be less spicy.). Repeat with the tomatoes.
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Dice the onions, peel the ginger and cut into slices, lightly toast the coriander seeds until fragrant.
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Put the tomatoes, chillies and garlic cloves (leave the skin on) in a roasting tray and drizzle with 20ml extra virgin olive oil, roast in the oven for 25 minutes. Once roasted, pop the garlic cloves from their skins and add everything to a blender along with the soy sauce, pulse until roughly chopped.
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Place the ginger, coriander seeds, ½ lime and 2 bay leaves in the centre of a square of muslin, tie with kitchen string to form a bag.
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Add 2 tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil to a large, wide, shallow pan over a low heat and sauté the onions until tinged golden.
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Add the tomato and chilli mixture along with the sugar, red wine vinegar, caraway seeds and spice bag, bring the boil stirring regularly.
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Reduce the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the chutney is well reduced down and when you drag a wooden spoon through the mixture it leaves a clear trail across the bottom of the pan.
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Squeeze the muslin bag to extract as much of the flavour as possible then discard it.
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Spoon into sterilised jars and store in a cool, dark place. Serve with a cheeseboard and the Lockerbie cheddar and caramelised onion chutney bites.
This post is sponsored by Arden’s, a brand truly dedicated to exceptional taste and quality. Thank you for supporting the brands that enable me to continue pursuing my passion for creating delicious food and sharing my culinary adventures with you. I hope these recipes inspire your next summer gathering or simply elevate your everyday snacking experience!