Spicy Sweet Moroccan Chickpea Spread

They say good things come to those who wait and I guess it’s true. I’ve been thinking about making this spread since my friend, Kirsten, a wonderfully adventurous cook who blogs about her culinary exploits here, made something very similar to it at a lavish Moroccan-themed dinner party she hosted at her home a while back, when we all still lived in Berkeley.

But my son was born a few months later and everything kind of went to hell, what with adjusting to becoming a mom and the general sleeplessness of life with an infant, so it’s taken me a little while more than two years to get around to it… Nonetheless, I think it was worth the wait. (And I cannot say enough good things about sleep training — thank you Ferber!)

I was primarily inspired by Kirsten’s use of blood orange juice and honey — such interesting, delightful additions! It had never occurred to me before to make a hummus-y type spread sweet. Turns out she’s a genius ’cause it’s really good.

I also used lime juice, chipotle peppers, garlic, cumin, cilantro, salt and pepper. I chose chipotles over jalapeños because they are milder and I like their smokey flavor (I also kinda fell in love with the La Morena label.)

The result is an addictive combination that is slightly spicy, slightly sweet, and deliciously savory. And super easy to make, too – I love posting a recipe that includes only one step in the directions (and not just because I am lazy, though I admit that I am.)

This spread goes well with toasted pita bread, olives, feta cheese, lamb, chicken or shrimp kabobs, pickled beets, tzatziki, chopped salad, and couscous. (And now I am drooling… it must be time for lunch!)

Next: the recipe

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Penny A.

6:46PM PDT on Nov 1, 2011

This sounds amazing,thanks.

November 1
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KARLOLINA G.

5:09AM PDT on Oct 3, 2011

Sounds great. Thank you.

October 3
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Ida J.

9:57AM PDT on Sep 16, 2011

thanks

September 16
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Past Member .

10:41AM PDT on Sep 9, 2011

Yummy

September 9
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Eve F.

11:09AM PDT on Sep 8, 2011

Thanks, all! Hope you enjoy it.

September 8
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Diane S.

4:43PM PDT on Sep 7, 2011

Sounds tasty !

September 7
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Ernie M.

5:21AM PDT on Sep 7, 2011

sounds good.

Lupe G.

9:51AM PDT on Sep 6, 2011

This sounds like a snack I'll be making this weekend! I posted this one on the student bulletin board since I noticed that a lot actually copy them & thank me for posting them. Thanks so much for sharing!