What is Hummus?

Hummus is a chickpea-based Middle Eastern spread or dip that has become popular around the world in recent years. It is often thought of as a replacement for condiments like mayonnaise or mustard, or as a dip or spread for crackers, chips, or other snacks — but it has much more versatility than this. Hummus is a vegan, nutrient-rich food that can be used as an ingredient in a wide range of dishes, as a healthy snack on its own, or even as a creative topping for sandwiches and wraps.

History and Origin of Hummus

The origins of hummus date back hundreds of years; it was first made in the Middle East, with some attributing its origin to ancient Rome or overseas Greek settlers. Hummus is traditionally prepared from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini (a sesame paste), garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Over time, different flavors have developed and the dish has been adapted to suit different tastes, particularly in their respective regions. At the same time, different types of hummus have been popularized, such as red pepper, garlic, and olive hummus, among others.

How to Make Hummus

Making hummus is surprisingly simple. The main ingredient is cooked or canned chickpeas, which are available in most grocery stores and health food stores. For a basic hummus, start with one can of chickpeas, drain the liquid (but save some of the liquid to help make a smooth paste), and then add in some tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and salt to taste. Blend the ingredients together in a food processor or blender until the mixture is as smooth as possible. If the mixture is too thick, add a bit of reserved liquid from the chickpeas to help thin it out. Once the hummus is blended, it can be served as a dip or spread, or used as an ingredient in many dishes, including salads, wraps, and even desserts.

Hummus is a versatile, healthy food that can be enjoyed in any form. Whether it’s eaten as a dip or spread, or it’s used as an ingredient in a variety of different recipes, there’s no doubt that hummus will continue to be a popular part of the global food scene for many years to come.