By Ruby S.
Bismillah
Practically every Western grocery store has it in stock. How did hummus become so popular? Believe it or
not, hummus is now such a staple item here that people are surprised when they learn it’s actually Middle Eastern in origin. Hummus has become so popular for many reasons, including the fact that it’s healthy, contains good proteins, and satisfies your appetite, not to mention that it’s DELICIOUS. Even better is that with a few simple ingredients that are easy to find, you can make it too in your own kitchen! There’s no need to buy it premade when the authentic stuff can be made easily in a food processor.
The earliest mention of hummus dates to about thirteenth century in Egypt, but both Greek and Arabic sources want to claim this as their invention. Greeks and Egyptians had traded for many years, so it’s natural that their food would be similar and crossover from one culture to another, from one country to another. Regardless of where it comes from, the dish is known to be a smooth, thick paste normally made from a combination of chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) and tahini (sesame seed paste) and a few other ingredients that make it taste amazing.
Even more wonderful about this dip is that it’s considered a healthy food. This is because it fills you up without raising blood glucose levels, according to “The Hummus Place”. Chickpeas are a very good filler- they don’t have fats and they’re good to help prevent building up of cholesterol. “The Hummus Place” also states that hummus is a great source of dietary fiber, Omega 3 fatty acids (good for intelligence and a healthy heart), vitamins, and minerals like copper, sodium, calcium, and zinc. On top of all this, hummus is a great protein source when paired with pita bread or breadsticks.
Hummus can be eaten as a dip, with bread, like I mentioned, or with veggie sticks. Precut carrots, cucumber sticks, celery sticks, and even broccoli or cauliflower pieces taste yummy with hummus. Hummus can also be used as a spread for burgers or sandwiches instead of mayonnaise. So, now that you’re convinced of this versatile food, let’s go on to the recipe!
Bismillah
Practically every Western grocery store has it in stock. How did hummus become so popular? Believe it or
not, hummus is now such a staple item here that people are surprised when they learn it’s actually Middle Eastern in origin. Hummus has become so popular for many reasons, including the fact that it’s healthy, contains good proteins, and satisfies your appetite, not to mention that it’s DELICIOUS. Even better is that with a few simple ingredients that are easy to find, you can make it too in your own kitchen! There’s no need to buy it premade when the authentic stuff can be made easily in a food processor.The earliest mention of hummus dates to about thirteenth century in Egypt, but both Greek and Arabic sources want to claim this as their invention. Greeks and Egyptians had traded for many years, so it’s natural that their food would be similar and crossover from one culture to another, from one country to another. Regardless of where it comes from, the dish is known to be a smooth, thick paste normally made from a combination of chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) and tahini (sesame seed paste) and a few other ingredients that make it taste amazing.
Even more wonderful about this dip is that it’s considered a healthy food. This is because it fills you up without raising blood glucose levels, according to “The Hummus Place”. Chickpeas are a very good filler- they don’t have fats and they’re good to help prevent building up of cholesterol. “The Hummus Place” also states that hummus is a great source of dietary fiber, Omega 3 fatty acids (good for intelligence and a healthy heart), vitamins, and minerals like copper, sodium, calcium, and zinc. On top of all this, hummus is a great protein source when paired with pita bread or breadsticks.
Hummus can be eaten as a dip, with bread, like I mentioned, or with veggie sticks. Precut carrots, cucumber sticks, celery sticks, and even broccoli or cauliflower pieces taste yummy with hummus. Hummus can also be used as a spread for burgers or sandwiches instead of mayonnaise. So, now that you’re convinced of this versatile food, let’s go on to the recipe!
To Make Hummus:
1 15oz can Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas)
1 large clove garlic, sliced
1/4 cup Tahini (Sesame Paste)
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
1 tsp salt
1) Drain the garbanzo beans, keeping liquid in a separate bowl.
2) Process everything with a food processor or blender. Slowly add the reserved liquid until the hummus reaches the desired consistency. It shouldn’t be too thick like peanut butter, nor too thin and runny like water. The consistency should be like a thick paste.
3) Taste the hummus and add more of any ingredient as needed.
4) To serve, spread hummus in a dish, drizzle olive oil, and sprinkle on paprika. Serve with veggies or pita bread.
1 large clove garlic, sliced
1/4 cup Tahini (Sesame Paste)
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
1 tsp salt
1) Drain the garbanzo beans, keeping liquid in a separate bowl.
2) Process everything with a food processor or blender. Slowly add the reserved liquid until the hummus reaches the desired consistency. It shouldn’t be too thick like peanut butter, nor too thin and runny like water. The consistency should be like a thick paste.
3) Taste the hummus and add more of any ingredient as needed.
4) To serve, spread hummus in a dish, drizzle olive oil, and sprinkle on paprika. Serve with veggies or pita bread.
Helpful Tips:
Keep in mind the following:
*If the hummus is too thin, add some more garbanzo beans and process again.
*If the hummus doesn’t have enough garlic, add garlic powder, not fresh garlic.
*If the garlic flavor is too strong for you, add a few drops of lemon juice.
*If there’s too much salt, add some garbanzo beans and tahini.
Keep in mind the following:
*If the hummus is too thin, add some more garbanzo beans and process again.
*If the hummus doesn’t have enough garlic, add garlic powder, not fresh garlic.
*If the garlic flavor is too strong for you, add a few drops of lemon juice.
*If there’s too much salt, add some garbanzo beans and tahini.
The trick to making awesome hummus is to keep testing it out if it doesn’t come out right the first time. Hummus is very forgiving and it’s easy to fix the recipe if something does not turn out right the first time. I hope you enjoy it!
Sources:
http://mideastfood.about.com/od/middleeasternfood101/f/Is-Hummus-Greek-Or-Middle-Eastern.htm
http://www.theneshamaproject.com/hummus-recipes/
http://www.3fatchicks.com/5-health-benefits-of-hummus/
Sources:
http://mideastfood.about.com/od/middleeasternfood101/f/Is-Hummus-Greek-Or-Middle-Eastern.htm
http://www.theneshamaproject.com/hummus-recipes/
http://www.3fatchicks.com/5-health-benefits-of-hummus/
I'd love to hear your views on this topic. Please leave comments in the section below!
.jpg)
0 comments:
Post a Comment