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
Pickled Red Cabbage Recipe

Pickled Red Cabbage Recipe

Sep 22, 2020 | Recipes, Sides

Pickled Red Cabbage Recipe

Pickling food is an ancient way to preserve it for later use. It is thought that pickling of food began in ancient India, approximately 4000 years ago. Pickling was devised to preserve foods which were being taken on long journeys to prevent them spoiling.

Pickling various foods preserved them for longer periods, ensuring that out of season foods could still be eaten. These types of preserved foods were ideal for long sea voyages as they ensured the crew had ample food for the entire journey. The indians used mainly native cucumbers to pickle and the pratice eventually spread to Europe and the Americas.

When trade between contients was established, the pratice of pickling became popular to preserve new types of foods for later consumption. Although in the past, pickling was used primarially to preserve foods, in modern times, pickled food is enjoyed for it’s taste and crunchy texture.

 

Ingredients

A quarter of a cabbage
3 cups red wine vinegar
3 cups water
5 cloves of garlic
Peppercorns to taste
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 teaspoon of salt

 

Method

Slice the cabbage as thin as you can and rinse it in clean water. This gets rid of any dirt or bugs.
Pack the sliced cabbage into jars and put the sliced garlic and chilli on top. Leave some garlic to make the brine.
Put the water, leftover garlic, peppercorns, salt, sugar into a pot and bring to the boil. Pour the red wine vinegar into the pot and stir. This will create your hot brine mixture.

Pour the hot brine mixture over the cabbage in the jars and screw on the lids. Leave them to cool on the counter then put them in the fridge.

Don’t open for 48 hours for best results.

Pickled Red Cabbage Recipe - For the Love of Hummus
Tapas – What Is It and Why Do People Love It

Tapas – What Is It and Why Do People Love It

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,...

read more
Pickled Red Cabbage Recipe

Pickled Red Cabbage Recipe

Pickled Red Cabbage Recipe Pickling food is an ancient way to preserve it for later use. It is thought that pickling of food began in ancient India, approximately 4000 years ago. Pickling was devised to preserve foods which were being taken on long journeys to prevent...

read more
Chickpeas: Why You Should be Eating Them

Chickpeas: Why You Should be Eating Them

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...

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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

Tabouli Recipe

Tabouli Recipe

Aug 21, 2017 | Recipes, Sides, Tabouli

Tabouli Recipe - For the love of hummusEvery household should have a Tabouli recipe. this dish is so healthy and is often used in clean eating diets around the world. In fact, there is really nothing in tabbouleh that is bad for you.

In every town everywhere, salads have become a staple food that augments the taste and flavor of everyday food. Tabouli, or Tabbouleh, is one that can be enjoyed as a vegetarian dish that makes every meal healthier. This spectacular dish is usually served with flat bread and usually comes out with Hummus. 

While it is gaining popularity, not everyone knows how to create a basic Tabouli. So how do you concoct this delicious yet nutritious dish? Here is a simple way to create Tabouli.

Prepare the Ingredients

wheat

Here are the common components of Tabouli, which may vary according to your taste:

  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 cup of fine cracked wheat
  • ½ cup, minced fresh mint leaves
  • 1 cup, minced fresh parsley leaves
  • ½ cup, finely chopped yellow onion
  • 3 diced tomatoes
  • 2 seeded and diced cucumbers
  • 3 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice, depending on preference
  • 1 teaspoon of sea salt

How to Create Tabouli

Get a large mixing bowl and pour the water over the cracked wheat. Cover it and then let it stand for around 20 minutes until the water is fully absorbed and the wheat becomes tender. After which, you may put in the vegetables and herbs and then mix thoroughly. In a separate bowl, mix the salt, lemon juice, and oil. Once it is thoroughly mixed, add it to the main bowl and then chill. You now have made a simple Tabouli!

After you’ve perfected these steps, you can then go on to make variations and experiment with the main ingredients. Don’t be afraid to add your own personality to the dish! Eat with hummus (or a hummus variation) and flatbread for an incredible snack.

Tabouli-Recipe-fortheloveofhummus

Tabouli: Its History and Health Benefits

Tabouli: Its History and Health Benefits

Jul 26, 2017 | All About Hummus, Recipes, Sides, Tabouli

Lets explore Tabouli: Its History and Health Benefits so we all know it’s origins. Tabouli is a healthy food that has shown up on the menu in many cultures around the world in modern times.

Food is rarely left out of the picture in every household around the world. Every recipe served in different countries is customized to fit those who consume this super healthy dish. While this is good and creative, this sometimes makes us forget where a certain delicacy really originated from, and one of which is tabouli.

Its History and Health Benefits

What’s Tabouli?

Tabouli, or also spelled as Tabbouleh, is a Levantine vegetarian dish which is also considered as a salad. It has many variations of ingredients, making it a favorite for those who love unique concoctions.

This dish is also known to be a traditional part of diets in the Arab countries. Armenians and Turks have also adapted the recipe and made revisions to make it more appealing to their taste. Tabbouleh

 has many health benefits and as such is currently growing in popularity in western cultures.

Where did it Originate?

While every place has their own version, the original recipe of tabouli came from the mountains of Lebanon and Syria, and it was an important part of their diet during the Middle Ages. While it was criticized before due to its lack of meat components, it still rose to fame because of its health benefits and taste as well.

In today’s current era, it is well-known as a Lebanese dish that speaks of their identity. It has never left the table of every home, and, as you know, has now made its way to different parts of the world.

Health Benefits of TabouliIts History and Health Benefits

Ever since the dish was created, tabouli gained its appeal for being a healthy dish. It owes it in large part from the ingredients in making this Levantine salad.

Here are some of its ingredients and benefits:

  • Bulgur – low fat content, high fiber and protein
  • Onion – has cardiovascular, respiratory, and anti-cancer properties
  • Garlic – natural antibiotic, manages cholesterol and hypertension
  • Parsley – great source of vitamins and minerals
  • Peppermint – major natural treatment for common gastrointestinal problems
  • Cucumbers – rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals
  • Tomatoes – helps improve bone mass, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
  • Lemon juice – aids in food digestion and cleanses the liver
  • Olive oil – helps combat the development of diabetes
  • Allspice – relieves mild pain and treats infections

Now that’s a lot of benefits packed in a simple salad! It just gives you all the more reasons to try it once in awhile. Tabouli is often served with hummus and prepared meats such as lamb or chicken. Working perfectly together, as a healthy salad alternative for western plates.

Tabouli-History and health benefits

Sesame Tahini Recipe

Sesame Tahini Recipe

Nov 7, 2014 | Basic Hummus, Hummus Ingredients, Hummus Recipe Ideas, Hummus Variations, Middle Eastern Dips, Sauce Recipes, Sides, Tahini Recipes

Sesame Tahini Recipe – For the Love of Hummus

Making your own tahini paste at home is a good way to be sure of all the ingredients in there. Not only that, but you can use tahini paste for so many other things besides putting into your hummus recipes. Made from roasted sesame seeds, this dip or spread can be used as a peanut butter substitute.

home made tahini pasteMany people cannot tolerate peanut butter due to allergies, so tahini is a good alternative. Also the taste of tahini is not as strong as peanut butter so it’s a good alternative for people who simply don’t like the taste of peanut butter. Use it on sandwiches and in wraps to give some extra flavor and it’s much healthier than salad creams and many other condiments. Add to that the fact that you have made it yourself at home, and you can be sure you are getting all the good nutrients out of your home made tahini.

Tahini can be used as a dip by itself, and is amazing with fruit such as apples and pears. Try it and see what I mean! Yum!

Why Tahini?

Tahini is a complex and nutty flavor that lends itself to many recipes and uses in the kitchen. You can spread it on toast or focaccia bread and you will be in love with the flavors that hit your tongue.

You can use tahini as a salad dressing to give your salads an unusual, nutty flavor. You can spread it on your steak for a lovely flavor combination.

Add it to your stir fry or satay sauce for a boost of flavor without the calories. Tahini can also be used as an ingredient in cookies if you crave that baked nutty flavor.
Follow the recipe below to make some awesome tahini that you can use for so many things. Keep it in an air tight container  for a few days. Be sure to make some extra to spread on your morning toast.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of sesame seeds
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil. Extra virgin is ideal, but really whatever you have on hand.

Method

  • Place the sesame seeds on a piece of greaseproof paper on a flat baking dish. Spread out as thin as possible so that they roast evenly.
  • Place into an oven that has been preheated to 180(0)
  • Roast for 5 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
  • Bring tray out of the oven and redistribute the sesame seeds on the tray so that they will roast in the most even way.
  • Put tray back into the oven for an additional 5 minutes. Watch them like a hawk because once they start burning they are ruined.
  • Once they are ready, remove from the baking tray onto another flat surface for cooling for a couple of minutes.
  • Transfer the sesame seeds to a food processor and process for one minute.
  • Slowly add olive oil.
  • Continue processing for another 3 minutes. You will notice a smooth paste forming. If you would like it to be runnier then add more olive oil.
  • Add salt and pepper if you desire, but you should not need any.
  • Store your tahini in an air tight container for up to 4 days.

sesame tahini recipe