The Hummus Chronicles: How an Ancient Dish Became a Modern Favorite

The Hummus Chronicles: How an Ancient Dish Became a Modern Favorite

Dec 6, 2022 | All About Hummus, Basic Hummus, Hummus Ingredients

In today’s food market, you can find hummus almost anywhere you go. It can be found in grocery stores, cafes and even high-end restaurants. But where did this tasty dish originate from? Some say that the origin of hummus stems from Morocco while others argue that it is an Israeli dish with Palestinian roots. Regardless of its origins, hummus has gained popularity throughout the world as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise on sandwiches and as a dip with pita bread or crudités. Learn more about the history and creation of hummus by reading The Hummus Chronicles.

Origins of Hummus

Hummus is a dip or spread popular in the Middle East and Mediterranean that can be made from chickpeas, fava beans, or other types of beans. It’s typically served with pita bread for dipping. The origins of hummus are still debated, but it seems to have originated in the Middle East. Some say it came from Egypt during the Roman era when pea soup was used as a way to use up leftover food. Others say it came from Yemen or Syria and dates back to at least the 13th century. What we do know is that hummus has been around since ancient times, has gone through many transformations over time, and continues to thrive today. You can check some variations of hummus here.

Traditional Recipe for Hummus

Chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, garlic and lemon juice are the traditional ingredients for hummus. The chickpeas are soaked overnight and then peeled. They are then boiled in water with baking soda and salt until they become soft. The boiled chickpeas are mixed with the remaining ingredients to create the hummus.  The result is a creamy, smooth paste that can be served as-is or used as the base of other dishes such as dip or sandwich spread. You can check some popular recipes of hummus here.

The Hummus Chronicles

How Hummus Became a Modern Favorite

Hummus is a spread made from ground chickpeas, sesame seed paste, olive oil, and garlic. In the Middle East, it has been consumed for centuries. Today hummus has become a modern favorite in many countries around the world and even more popular because of its versatility.  For example, in France chefs have used different spices to make harissa-flavored hummus. They have also made ones that are curry-spiced with cumin and chili pepper. Additionally, there is even fruit flavored hummus such as strawberry.

Contemporary Recipes from Hummus Chronicles

Hummus is one of the world’s most popular and diverse food spreads. It’s made from cooking mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic and salt together. Hummus Recipes differ across cultures and countries, with some versions including a little bit of cumin or other spices. The dish is often topped with olive oil and paprika to make it look more appetizing. 

Some recipes call for mixing in vegetables like tomatoes, onions and peppers. Olive oil makes hummus taste smoother and creamier. Tahini provides a nutty flavor as well as richness to the dish that may have come about because of using sesame seeds. Chickpeas are rich in protein but they can be high in cholesterol so eating them sparingly is advised. 

Amazing Health Benefits of Hummus

Amazing Health Benefits of Hummus

Nov 14, 2022 | All About Hummus, Basic Hummus, Hummus Ingredients

You may have heard that hummus is good for you, but perhaps you’re not entirely sure why? That’s because hummus has many health benefits, especially when it comes to heart health! Let’s take a closer look at how hummus can benefit your heart and overall health, and how it can become a staple food in your diet.

What is Hummus?

Hummus is a dip or spread made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic. It is a common appetizer in Middle Eastern cuisine and has been gaining popularity in Western culture for its health benefits. I eat hummus almost every day and I am going to talk about the amazing health benefits you can get from eating this delicious food!

The Nutritional Breakdown of Hummus

Hummus is a healthy food choice. It is made from chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, and tahini paste. Hummus can be eaten as a dip or spread on whole grain bread to make a sandwich. Hummus can be used as a sauce for meats and vegetables like falafel or as an ingredient in other dishes like hummus pizza.

The Various Health Benefits of Hummus

Hummus is a dip or sauce that is traditionally made from chickpeas, olive oil, and garlic. It has been linked to a number of health benefits including helping to lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health. Other potential benefits are controlling blood sugar, enhancing immune function, weight management, and reducing inflammation. The sources of these various benefits are the nutrients in hummus such as fiber, iron, protein and calcium. These nutrients may help with digestion, support bone health and provide energy for muscles to work effectively. You can even use hummus in place of other unhealthy dips or sauces for dipping vegetables at your next party!

health benefits of hummus

How to Make Your Own Homemade Hummus

You can make your own homemade hummus by using the following recipe: 

– 2 cans garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed 

– 1/4 cup tahini

– Juice of one lemon 

– 1 clove garlic, chopped

-1 tbsp olive oil

-Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. Serve with chips or veggies. Enjoy!

Homemade hummus is just as delicious as the store-bought kind, but it’s also much healthier! It doesn’t have preservatives like many store-bought brands do and it tastes better too! With this quick, easy recipe you’ll never have to go buy a tub of store-bought hummus again.

Some Delicious Recipes That Include Hummus

Hummus is an excellent way to add flavor and texture to any dish. Not only is it a versatile sauce, it’s also an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. Here are some recipes that include hummus for you to try.

 1) Roasted Cauliflower with Honey-Lemon Vinaigrette: The tangy vinaigrette balances out the rich flavor of the roasted cauliflower in this recipe. 

2) Charred Okra: Okra can be tricky because it can be slimy or bitter if not cooked correctly, but this technique really brings out its natural goodness. 

3) Falafel Tacos: A crispy corn tortilla filled with warm pita bread, vegetables and spicy hummus turns into one tasty vegetarian taco!

4) Hummus casserole: a little hummus layered on the bottom of a casserole dish, then the pita pieces, then the rest of the hummus with toasted pine nuts, lemon juice, and parsley.

Tapas – What Is It and Why Do People Love It

Tapas – What Is It and Why Do People Love It

Apr 14, 2021 | All About Hummus, Hummus Ingredients, Hummus Recipe Ideas, Hummus Variations, Recipes, Sides, Uncategorized

Tapas are popular snacks that originated in Spain. They have assorted key ingredients that vary from being an appetiser to a full-course meal, normally served in small amounts or on enormous plates. Tapas are either free or ordered in a bar. The varieties are endless, and it’s one of the major reasons people all over the world love it. They are essentially a lifestyle, and every bar defines itself with the diverse tapas served.

In Spain, you won’t normally find the word “tapas” in a bar’s menu. You may, however, find the word “raciones” – which means “rations” or large servings – or “media raciones“, servings in half a plate.

Tapas - For The Love of Hummus

The Limitless Variations

Tapas can be anything – from tuna chunks to fried baby squid (chopitos), chorizo sausages and many others. In many local bars and restaurants around Spain, tapas contain strong spices and herbs. Seafood-based tapas are often served as well, sometimes with either heap of olive oil in them, or with green and red bell peppers, or in a tomato puree or sauce. 

These delicious snacks are also called pinchos in the northern areas of Spain. “Pinchos” derives from the toothpick (called “pincho” in Spanish) that holds all the ingredients together on top of a lightly toasted slice of bread. The toothpicks also help keep track of the number of tapas consumed per customer.

Some common Spanish tapas are as follows:

Varieties around the world include:

  • Philippines – Known locally as pica-pica (finger food) or pulutan (meaning “to pick up”) in Tagalog
  • Argentina and Uruguay – Picada, servings of cold dishes such as olives, ham, cheese, bologna, etc.
  • Brazil – Tira-gostos, side dishes with more rare and traditional varieties, that accompany beer and other alcoholic drinks
  • Italy – Cicchetti, normally eaten for lunch or in the late afternoon as a snack
  • Korea – Anju, a Korean term for food served with alcohol

Tapas are conveniently easy to make

There is a diverse range of recipes, ingredients and cooking techniques across multiple countries around the world. You can even make your very own healthy version paired with one of our delicious hummus recipes on our website. Vamos a cocinar! Cheers!

 

Tapas - For The Love of Hummus
Hummus & Chicken Soup Recipe

Hummus & Chicken Soup Recipe

Sep 4, 2019 | Hummus Ingredients, Hummus Recipe Ideas, Recipes

This Hummus & Chicken Soup recipe is your new favourite thing.

If you haven’t tried putting hummus in your chicken soup, then you need to start doing it. This hummus and chicken soup recipe will show you how you can incorporate some hummus into your soup.

A stunning chicken and vegetable soup with the added bonus of a generous amount of hummus. Hummus makes for a creamy soup and has some stunning thickening qualities. Not only does it give the soup a beautiful texture, but it also brings some incredible health benefits.

With added protein and fibre, the chickpeas in the hummus also pack a punch of calcium and potassium. If you already have hummus in the fridge, then you can add your lovely home made hummus to the soup but this recipe also works with store bought hummus. Although we would highly recommend making your own hummus, as it is much lighter and creamier and you know exactly what is in there.

Chicken Hummus Soup 

Now lets talk about the chicken. You can use a BBQ chicken from your local supermarket, or cook the chicken at home. If you are cooking at home, go for a boneless piece such as a breast. The chicken is going to bring a lot of tastiness to this soup so be sure to grab a decent piece or a well seasoned BBQ chook. Also you can season the chicken because the taste transfers well into the soup, so don’t be afraid to put some chicken seasoning in there.

You can choose any vegetables you like in this soup, depending on what you fancy and what you have in the fridge or freezer.  We can recommend that capsicum and broccoli go really well here. The soup also has brown rice to give it that extra punch.

You will need the following ingredients for this recipe.

Ingredients

1 x BBQ chicken from the supermarket deli or 1 large chicken breast which has been seasoned, then cut into pieces and fried in olive oil

Olive Oil

Half a cup of Hummus (home made preferred but store bought is ok)

1 Green Capsicum

1 Cup of Fresh Broccoli

1 Cup of Brown Rice (Cooked)

2 Cups of Chicken Broth

Method

Put the chicken broth, brown rice and hummus into a large saucepan and mix together. Bring gently to the boil and add capsicum & broccoli. Simmer gently for 10 minutes until vegetables are cooked but firm. Don’t let them get floppy.

Chicken Hummus Soup Recipe

Simple Hummus Recipe (5 Minute Hummus)

Simple Hummus Recipe (5 Minute Hummus)

Jun 11, 2019 | Basic Hummus, Hummus Ingredients, Hummus Recipe Ideas, Middle Eastern Dips, Recipes, Types of Hummus

Simple Hummus Recipe (5 Minute Hummus)

This simple 5 minute hummus recipe can be prepared so fast, we call it five minute hummus! There are so many variations and so many people have tweaked the recipe to suit their tastes, that most of the ingredient amounts are more of a guide. Some people like more lemon, some like less. Some like fresh lemon (yes please!) while others prepare lemon juice from a bottle. So with this in mind, our simple recipe is a good place to start and you can build on it as you go.

All hummus contains chickpeas as it is a chickpea dip and guess what? It’s super healthy so you will find this dip will go with more types of diets or weight loss programs. And with so many ways to make this your own, you will find yourself going back to this dip every time.

Whether you go for a thicker or more watery consistency, we recommend you use entire cans of chickpeas and you can play with the other ingredients to taste. For example you can add more lemon or less tahini if you are using it. If you begin with a definite about of chickpeas then you have a good starting place and can add or subtract from there.

When you are making it, try using some of the juice from the can, as this can give it a bit more flavor and most people find the taste agreeable. There are also endless ways to present it depending on where it will be eaten. Now, let’s get ready to make it!

Easy 5 minute hummus recipe

Ingredients

1 x can of chickpeas – drained and rinsed – Keep a portion of the juice to use in the dip.

2 x small cloves of fresh garlic – We prefer fresh but you can use prepared garlic if you prefer.

Olive Oil – Half for the dip and the rest for a garnish

Half a Lemon – or you can use a tablespoon of lemon juice from a bottle

2 x Tablespoons of Tahini dip if you are using it

½ teaspoon of ground cumin – you can use less or more depending on your taste

½ teaspoon of paprika or sumac – you can use less or more depending on your taste

Pinch of salt – depending on your taste, you might want to leave this one out.

Method

Mix all ingredients (except olive oil and sumac)  in your food processor and slowly add olive oil to get a good consistency. Add a little bit of water if you prefer it thinner.

Transfer dip to a serving bowl or plate and smooth over the top with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle sumac over the top for a nice contrast.

Pour olive oil over the entire top of the dip.

Serving Tips

Serve with some black olives and flat breads or with some chopped fresh parsley and some whole chickpeas for decoration.

5 minute simple hummus recipe

Chickpeas: Why You Should be Eating Them

Chickpeas: Why You Should be Eating Them

Jun 29, 2018 | Hummus Ingredients, Middle Eastern Dips, Sides, Types of Hummus

We’ve talked about various Middle Eastern dips in the past, such as tahini and hummus, and they both have one thing in common – deliciousness!. And they are both healthy! There’s plenty of benefits you can get from eating chickpeas, and every self-respecting vegetarian knows how important they are!  Chickpeas are a staple in a vegan diet and have been on plates for centuries.

Today, let’s look a little closer at chickpeas and why you should be eating them.

What are Chickpeas?

Chickpeas, also popularly known by the name garbanzo beans, are a type of legume. These beans were originally found in the Middle East and the Mediterranean. It’s common variant is seen as round and beige, although black, green, and red versions are not unheard of.

Benefits of Eating Chickpeas

Similar to lentils, beans, and peas, chickpeas pack a punch when it comes to nutritional value. That alone is more than enough reason why its popularity has been widespread throughout the globe.

Popular Hummus Recipes on the Internet

Here are some of the benefits you can get from eating chickpeas.

Promotes Feeling of “Fullness”

The combination of protein and fiber found in chickpeas makes it a great appetite regulator. So, in a manner of speaking, if you’re looking for ways to control your calorie intake by fooling your system that you’re already full, eating chickpeas is the way to go! These are idea for those looking for weight loss and overall health.

Rich in Plant-Based Protein

Some of us would like to get protein from sources other than animals for individual reasons. With that in mind, chickpeas have been found to be rich in plant-based protein. That’s why vegetarians love having them in their diet.

Helps Manage Blood Sugar Levels

Chickpeas particularly have low glycemic index (GI), which means it shows gradual increase in blood sugar rather than a sudden spike. That means it is essential in blood sugar control, and is safe for diabetic people. As a matter of fact, it can help towards preventing diabetes development in those who don’t have it!

Improves Digestive Health

Because of their fiber content, chickpeas help in cleaning the digestive tract. Harmful bacteria and other substances that are stuck in your system are easily flushed with fiber. By including chickpeas in your diet, you ensure your fibre needs are met, and chickpeas are a great source.

Helps Prevents Cancer and Heart Diseases

Chickpeas promote health in many ways, specifically protecting the cardiovascular system. They have been shown to help prevent cancer formation in some instances. For starters, the omega-3 fatty acid content helps protect the heart and reduce occurrences of inflammation. Antioxidants, on the other hand, seek out free radicals and assist in the prevention of mutation that can bring about cancer.

And those are just five of the many benefits you can get from chickpeas. Doesn’t that make you want to include them in your diet?

why you need to be eating chickpeas