Middle Eastern aromas have always been a top favorite of mine, with their rich and enveloping scents that seem to hug you from the inside. This love for Middle Eastern cuisine, especially hummus, has inspired me to explore more complex and innovative meals.

Thus, this unique recipe was created. I am talking about a delightful mix of hummus, seasonal ingredients, and a special touch of sticky beef. And truth be told, this is more than a dish. It's an experience where hummus is not just a side but a star, paired perfectly with other flavors to create a culinary masterpiece.

This being said, let's take this recipe one part at a time and cook the best out of it.

How to cook the cabbage:

• Cut cabbage into 2-3, 2-3 cm thick wedges.
• Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
• Coat the cabbage with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and onion. Do it on both sides, gently not to break it.

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• Bake for an hour until golden, flipping halfway through. Again, do it gently.

Making the Sticky Beef:

• Slice the beef into thin strips and mix with starch, salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, and turmeric.

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• Sauté in olive oil for 4-5 minutes, then remove.

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• In the same pan, add more oil, diced shallot, and garlic, cooking until golden (4-5 minutes).
• Add pomegranate syrup, return the beef and pine nuts, and cook for 2-3 minutes until caramelized.

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• Remove from heat.

Creating the Hummus:

• Blend your canned chickpeas with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt in a food processor. Do it for at least 3-4 minutes. This will allow your ingredients to turn into a very smooth paste.
• Gradually add ice-cold water until smooth (about 2 more minutes). Adjust seasoning.

Tahini sauce

• In a small bowl, add tahini and a pinch of salt.
• Finely mince the garlic and mix it into the tahini.
• Gradually add cold water, a few drops at a time, whisking constantly. Initially, the tahini will become thicker, but as you continue to whisk, it will transform into a beautifully smooth and creamy consistency.

Assembly and Serve:

• Spread the hummus on a big blate.
• Place the baked cabbage over the hummus and top everything with the sticky beef.
• Drizzle with tahini sauce, hot sauce, and sprinkle parsley. 

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• Serve immediately. 

Nutritional Insights and Ingredient Alternatives

Even though this is a rich meal, it's a healthy and packed with nutrients one. Here's a brief look at the benefits:

• Cabbage: Low in cabbage calories, rich in vitamins and fibers.
• Beef: A good source of protein and essential minerals.
• Chickpeas: High in protein, fibers, and various vitamins.
• Tahini: Rich in healthy fats and minerals.

For a vegan option, replace beef with a plant-based alternative you prefer. 

FAQs

To enhance your cooking experience, here are some frequently asked questions about the ingredients used in this recipe

Q: Is cabbage fattening?

A: No, it is not. As a matter of fact when talking about cabbage benefits, it is safe to say that it is low in calories and can be a part of a weight-loss diet.

Q: Hummus originates from which country?

A: When discussing the hummus origin, all traces point out that it has roots in the Middle East. Some even claim that it goes all the way back to Ancient Egypt. 

Q: Can you freeze hummus?

A: Yes, technically, hummus can be frozen for up to four months. However, I am not a fan of doing it.

Q: How long can hummus be stored?

A: Stored in the fridge, hummus can last for about four days. Again, I believe that it is best when fresh.

Conclusion

This recipe is a flavorful journey through the best of Middle Eastern cuisine with a little bit of Romanian touches, combining the comfort of hummus with the richness of sticky beef and the health benefits of cabbage.

Whether you're looking for cabbage recipes or curious about pairing hummus with other ingredients, this dish brings together a delightful mix of flavors and nutrition. Enjoy this wholesome and hearty meal that's not just food but a warm embrace and one of the best cabbage recipes I ever had.