Hummus, also spelled hommus or houmous, is a Middle Eastern dip, made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. The earliest recorded Hummus comes from Syria, in a 13th century. The word hummus is Arabic, if we spread word in Arabic is ḥummuṣ bi ṭaḥīna ‘chickpeas with tahini.
Hummus offers several health benefits. It’s rich in plant-based protein, fibres, and healthy fats, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied for long. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as iron, folate, phosphorus, and magnesium. The chickpeas in hummus provide a boost of antioxidants and may help promote heart health and regulate blood sugar levels.
Hummus can be eaten in various ways. It is commonly used as a dip for vegetables, pita bread, or chips. You can also spread it on sandwiches or wraps or use it as a topping and dressing for salads and antipasti. Even enjoy it as a condiment with grilled meats or as a component in dishes like falafel or shawarma.
The beauty of the classic Hummus It is a blend of a high-quality ingredients such as perfectly cooked chickpeas, with the nutty richness being the heart of the dish. Premium Tahini, a sesame seed paste adds a smooth consistency while the cold-pressed olive oil provides a hint of rich texture and smoothness.
In Turkish cuisine, Hummus is not just limited to its basic form. There are several variations that add unique flavours and textures to this classic dish.
Hummus Recipe – blend these ingredients together to create your creamy hummus.
- 1 and a half cups chickpeas (soaked overnight and then boiled & skin removed)
- 6-7 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp yogurt
- 3-4 ice cubes or 3-4 tbsp ice cold water
- 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Variations
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: Add 1 roasted red pepper (from a jar or freshly roasted), drained and patted dry, to the basic hummus recipe. Blend until smooth. Adjust salt and lemon juice as needed.
- Spicy Hummus: Add 1-2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper to the basic hummus recipe. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Garlic and Herb Hummus: Add 2-3 cloves of roasted garlic and a handful of fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil to the basic hummus recipe. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Hummus: Add 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained) and a handful of fresh basil leaves to the basic hummus recipe. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Olive Hummus: Add ¼ cup of pitted Kalamata olives to the basic hummus recipe. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Curry Hummus: Add 1-2 teaspoons of curry powder to the basic hummus recipe. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Read the full story that first appeared in Seema magazine here:
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