Mediterranean-Inspired Hummus Toast + A New Series: Sundays, Simply
When I am missing travel, or a specific place, I find that creating in my kitchen often helps. Because I want those memories and unique qualities that make a place special, to find life again. And I want to find ways to re-create a sense of adventure, even when I’m home. The kitchen is a good place for that. Simple things, like this hummus toast, evoke the quieter experiences that live beneath the surface of the inherent fan-fare of travel. Local flavors, fleeting moments, a conversation—remembered. But part of the beauty in this longing to be on the move at times, is that it always brings me back to the present moment, to appreciating my surroundings, to creativity, to my craft, and recognizing the parallels that exist in opposite worlds—and the abundance and beauty in my own backyard and in my life. And, subsequently, to meals that I’ll want to savor and share for years to come.
This toast (which was a meal born out of ingredients I happened to have on hand) was the inspiration for this column also—Sundays, Simply—which is meant to inspire easy, yet totally satisfying fare for those days when you want something a little more low maintenance. Sundays are usually good days for that, when the week ahead is just on the horizon (but these can be and are meant to be enjoyed any time).
In a way, this toast feels a bit like some practical magic, a return to a lonely Greek island worlds away from where I am now. Sun-dried & drenched tomatoes, artichokes, and a drizzle of olive oil. One needn’t use home-made ingredients here—though props if you’re able! A good and creamy hummus and bed of arugula is the perfect base, followed by some marinated artichoke hearts and tomatoes (I like the ones steeped in brine) and a sprinkling of hemp hearts for a little added protein (but garnish with what you have and what you like). I love it on a sprouted-wheat sourdough, but I imagine a crostini-situation would be amazing, too! (Taking notes for future camping trips.)
MEDITERRANEAN-INSPIRED HUMMUS TOAST
serves 1 | vegan
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: N/A
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
1 slice toast, halved
small bunch arugula
~2 tbsp roasted red pepper hummus
~4 artichoke hearts, layers peeled
~2 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 tsp olive oil (or brine from tomatoes or artichokes)
1 tsp hemp hearts
Method:
Toast bread and slice. Once cooled slightly, spread hummus, and layer with arugula, hemp seeds & artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes. Drizzle with oil. Serve immediately and enjoy.