Hummus is a savory dish that is enjoyed all over the world. The food has its origins in the Middle East but has garnered recent popularity across the globe. The word hummus is Arabic and fittingly means “chickpeas”, a type of legume that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Many people often think that chickpeas and garbanzo beans are different but they are in fact, one in the same. Hummus is high in protein and fiber, making it a nutritious ingredient to be enjoyed by meat-eaters, vegans, and those in between!
What to Eat With Hummus
Contrary to popular belief, hummus is not a dip, but it is a porridge and can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Due to its high nutritional content, hummus may be enjoyed alone or with other delicious pairings such as parsley, meat, tabbouleh, falafel; and eaten with a variety of bread, or eaten alone.
The main ingredients of hummus are chickpeas, and tahini, a ground sesame seed paste, which adds to the thickness and creaminess of the dish. Although there are many pre-packaged varieties of hummus that one can find at nearly any local grocery store, the fresh version has no preservatives or additives. Traditionally, hummus is packed with olive oil, contributing to its flavor and is usually served warm or at room temperature. Fresh hummus only has a very short shelf life, so it’s best enjoyed immediately.
What You’ll Need:
- 3 ½ cups of soaked and cooked chickpeas.
- 1 cup tahini paste
- 1 tbsp. Baking soda
- 8 roasted garlic cloves
- ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil
- ¾ tsp. Cumin
- Pinch of cayenne pepper and paprika
- Parsley for garnish
How to Make It:
1. Make sure to soak chickpeas overnight, then boil until tender.
2. Once cooked, sprinkle chickpeas with baking soda to remove the skin. Or immerse chickpeas in cold water, bringing the skins up to the surface to be strained. These two options will provide a creamier consistency.
3. Place chickpeas in a bowl, reserving about 20 for garnish, then add tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and cayenne pepper into a food processor until evenly blended. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. Add seasonings to taste. If texture gets too thick or is too dry, simply add a little water and blend until desired consistency is achieved.
4. Place hummus mixture into a shallow bowl, creating a dip in the middle, then sprinkle with reserved chickpeas and olive oil. Then garnish with cayenne pepper, paprika, and parsley. Add your preferred dipping accouterments, such as bread or vegetables and enjoy! Best served warm or room temperature.
Hummus is one of the most popular dishes in the world and for good reason. It’s packed full of flavor, is tasty alone or when paired with a variety of meals, and its herbs and spices combined with its delectable creamy texture makes it quite an addicting food that you’ll never want to put down. Once you go homemade, you may never buy the packaged version again.
