Balila (Hejazi Warm Chickpeas with Lemon and Cumin)
Local name: بليلة
In short: Tender chickpeas simmered until creamy and served warm in cups with their broth, garlic, lemon, cumin and a little hot sauce. It takes about 1 h 40 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 1 h 30 min
- Resting
- 8 h
- Total
- 1 h 40 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 350 kcal
Balila is the warm chickpea snack of the Hejaz, sold in paper cups from carts in Jeddah, Mecca and Medina on cool evenings. The chickpeas simmer until very soft in a little broth and are served with garlic, lemon juice, cumin and a spoon of hot sauce. It is cheap, filling and quick to put together once the chickpeas are cooked, and it makes a good light supper with bread.
Instructions
- Put the drained chickpeas in a pot with the water. Bring to a boil, skim off the foam, then simmer partly covered for 60 to 75 minutes until very tender.
- Add the salt and simmer for 15 minutes more. About a quarter of the chickpeas should start to break down, thickening the broth.
- Mix the lemon juice, olive oil and garlic in a small bowl.
- Ladle the chickpeas and some of the broth into four cups or bowls, about 3/4 cup chickpeas and 1/2 cup broth each.
- Top each with the lemon and garlic mixture, a sprinkle of cumin, a little hot sauce and parsley. Serve hot.
Tips
- Use canned chickpeas for speed. Simmer 3 cans (drained) in 750 ml (3 cups) of water with the salt for 15 minutes, then mash a few against the side of the pot.
- Serve with a squeeze of extra lemon and pickled chili. Some vendors add a spoon of tahini or fresh coriander as a variation.
Questions and answers
Is balila the same as hummus?
No. Balila is whole warm chickpeas in broth with a lemony cumin dressing, eaten like a soupy snack, while hummus is a smooth blended dip.
Can I make balila ahead?
Cook the chickpeas ahead and keep them in their broth for 4 days. Reheat gently and add the dressing at the last moment.
Is it spicy?
Only if you add hot sauce. The base is mild and tangy, and people add heat to taste at the table.
How long does it take to make Balila (Hejazi Warm Chickpeas with Lemon and Cumin)?
About 1 h 40 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 1 h 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Balila (Hejazi Warm Chickpeas with Lemon and Cumin)?
About 350 kcal per serving, with 15 g of protein, 47 g of carbohydrates and 14 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 350 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 47 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 13 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
