Shake Up Your Hummus Habit With a Whirlwind Tour Across the Mediterranean

20 years ago, hummus was a strange foreign product to most U.S. consumers. Today, roughly one in four U.S. consumers has it in their refrigerator. Hummus success is partly due to its delicious taste, and partly due to the successful marketing campaigns that tie this Mediterranean staple food to American eating styles. Up-and-coming hummus companies marketed it as a healthy alternative to creamy dips, and as a convenient, on-the-go snack. Now, its mostly eaten that way in the U.S., as a dip with cut vegetables or pita chips.

But hummus has a lot more to offer. In the Middle East, people have been preparing hummus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for centuries. Its traditionally served warm with a generous drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs. Heartier versions are topped with cooked chickpeas, mushrooms, or a small amount of ground meat (often lamb).

Remarkably, the origins of hummuswhich is an Arabic word for chickpeaare shrouded in mystery and remain the source of major international arguments today. Medieval recipe books dating back to the thirteenth century contain records of chickpea purée being served in Egypt and Syria, but it lacked key ingredients (like tahini, which is sesame paste) of modern hummus. Regardless of where it started, hummus gradually evolved to become a cuisine cornerstone across the Middle East and North Africa, with different countries and cultures putting their own unique spin on the dish.

International Variations

In many countries like Syria and Lebanontwo popular destinations for hummus acionadoshummus is part of a mezze, or an appetizer meal consisting of assorted small dishes. In Turkey, hummus is commonly served with pastirma, a cured meat similar to pastrami. Turkish hummus is also one of several varieties that may use yogurt as an ingredient. Meanwhile, hummus in North African countries like Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia is commonly flavored with local herbs and spices, like cumin, coriander, chili powder, cayenne, and paprika.

In Israel, there is even a name for restaurants that specialize in making hummus: hummusias. Hummusias serve hummus as the main dish, with pita, pickled vegetables, and maybe a hard-boiled egg or falafel on the side. Diners eat it like they would a soup or stew, by the spoonful. While hummus is particularly popular at lunch in Israel, it is a common breakfast dish in Palestinian cuisine.

In what may come as a surprise, hummus is not central to traditional Greek cuisine, even though many people think it originated there. While chickpeas are grown in Greece, they are more customarily used in stews and soups, salads, and patties. Fava and tzatziki are examples of more popular Greek spreads and dips. In an interesting twist, Greeces neighbor to the north, Bulgaria, is not necessarily known for its hummus, but its chickpeas are strongly recommended for some of the proclaimed tastiest hummus recipes.

Change Up Your Hummus Routine

If youve never been to a hummusia or tried homemade hummus, the experience is worth the effort. Super smooth, homemade hummus is divine. Soak and cook dried chickpeas for the best results, or use canned chickpeas for similar avor. A few pulses in a food processor (or grinds in a mortar and pestle if you want to be old school) with lemon, tahini, and garlic, and you’ve got a delicious, versatile spread.

If you’re looking for even more ways to use hummus (homemade or store-bought), think of its essential ingredients listed above, and figure out what pairs well with them. Its hard to go wrong with most Mediterranean foods. Here are just a few ideas:

• Thin hummus with lemon juice and olive oil, then use it as a creamy salad dressing, or toss it with cooked pasta and fresh tomatoes and herbs.
• Use hummus in the same ways you use beans. For example, to play on classic British beans on toast, try spreading hummus on toasted whole wheat bread. Drizzle with olive oil and top with crumbled feta cheese, sunflower seeds, or chopped chives to dress it up and add some color.
• Spread hummus like a condiment on burger buns, sandwiches, and wraps. Its delicious with roasted vegetables, too.

For even more ways to use hummus, download our 12 Great Ways to Use Hummus.

Hummus for Lebanon

Hummus is delicious, and now, it is a force for good, too! Our friends at Al Wadi Al Akhdar are offering a #HummusForLebanon kit that aims to help Lebanese children fill their tummies.