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.
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.