Hummus Ingredients

Hummus is made of chickpeas (garbanzo beans), tahini (sesame paste), lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and salt. This dish is very widely used in almost all Middle-Eastern countries. There can be some variations in hummus recipes that belong to different regions. While some people omit tahini, others add different herbs and spices to enhance the flavor. However, the basic recipe remains the same, and is as follows.

Ingredients

• Canned chickpeas - one 15-ounce can
• Liquid in chickpeas can - ¼ cup
• Tahini - 1½ tbsp.
• Lemon juice - 3 to 6 tbsp.
• Garlic cloves - 2 (crushed)
• Olive oil - 2 tbsp.
• Salt - ½ tsp. or as per taste

Preparation Method
The most indispensable ingredient for making hummus is chickpeas. If you dislike any of the other ingredients, use a nominal amount only; but, there is no need to substitute, as they may alter the taste of the end product.

Drain the chickpeas in the can and keep aside the liquid, which can be used later. Combine the hummus ingredients (except the liquid from the chickpeas can) and make a puree. If the mixture is too solid, you can add the liquid from the chickpeas can, in order to make a smooth paste.

Once the paste is made, transfer it to a serving bowl, and make a small well in the center. You can garnish it with olive oil (one or two tablespoons), olive pieces, chopped parsley, pine nuts, and diced crispy vegetables such as cucumbers.

Serve with pita bread, flat bread, or tortillas. Hummus can be used as a sandwich spread or as a veggie dip. It can also be used with grilled chicken, fish, or falafel. You may store it in a refrigerator for two to three days. If you are keeping it in the freezer, then, it can be used for a month.

This was one of the basic hummus recipes, which can be prepared easily. You may also add herbs and spices, like red chili, paprika, or cayenne pepper. Apart from being delicious in taste, hummus is also high in nutritional value, as it contains high levels of vitamin B6, vitamin C, folate, and iron. It is a rich source of protein, dietary fiber, and monounsaturated fats.