Most people have a concept of what hummus is—that beige spread that is served with pita wedges and feta cheese, a staple at upscale parties, and a delicious way to pack in your extra protein with vitamin-rich chickpeas. The basis of this nutrient-dense dip is remarkably similar among fans; most recipes contain chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic, sesame paste, and herbal nuances that are as unique and varied as the chefs who craft it.
How much do you know about this delicious paste? Has it delighted your palette and warmed your heart lately with its gooey goodness? Here are some little known facts about it, as well as some mouth-watering recipes that you can put in your arsenal for maximum flavor and a punch of protein power. Read on for inspiration:
4 Little known facts about this delicious “dip.”
1. Hummus is made all over the world
Greece and Turkey do not have a monopoly on this golden gooey goodness. Mention of the spread dates way back to 13th century Egypt, where it was fed to Pharaohs and their royal courts as a show of decadence.
2. Recipes vary only slightly.
The only major difference in most hummuses is the amount of cumin and tahini they contain; variations containing sesame paste, butter in place of olive oil, Greek yogurt, and pepper are what give some blends their signature flavor.
3. People get feisty and fight over flavor combinations.
It is not uncommon to see professional food critics in Israel battling back and forth over which is the best hummus–we all have our favorites, right? It has actually come to physical fights in some cases where the battle of the chickpea supersedes logical thought and rational action.
4. It’s not just for pita!
It is possible to incorporate this delicious concoction into many of your favorite recipes, making them richer and more flavorful than before. Try it smeared onto your favorite sandwich, as a topping for fish, or stirred into other sauces for added taste.
10 Hummus Dishes You Don’t Want to Miss!
Take your hummus from the carton and take it to the next level. Try out these recipes and see what wonderful options are in store for you when you try these hummus-inspired dishes.
1.Mediterranean nachos
What started as an accident turned into a delicious and flavorful appetizer that you can have anytime, anywhere. Try it with friends, or indulge in a plate of these healthy nachos all by yourself, virtually guilt-free! The flavor combinations are endless!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound ground lamb or beef
- 1 Tbsp pine nuts
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 6 Tbsp plain yogurt, divided
- One pkg baked pita chips
- 1 cup prepared tabbouleh
- 1/2 cup hummus
- One large tomato, chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced olives
- 1 Tbsp fresh mint
- chopped red onion
Directions:
Cook meat over high heat in skillet; drain. Stir in pine nuts, salt, and pepper. Stir in 2 Tbsp yogurt. Arrange pita chips on a serving platter. Layer with all other ingredients; top with onion and feta cheese. Serve immediately.
2. Grilled corn and chickpea tostadas
Have a craving for a little Mexican food? Try these beauties; they are healthy, tasty, and delicious!
Ingredients:
- Four medium ears of sweet corn, husks removed
- One small onion, sliced
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- Eight corn tortillas
- One container hummus
- 1/4 tsp chipotle pepper
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- One medium avocado, peeled and sliced
- half of a cup crumbled feta cheese
- jalapeno slices
- lime wedges
- hot sauce (optional)
Directions:
Brush corn and onion with 1 Tbsp olive oil. Grill or bake until tender, about 10 minutes. Cool slightly. Brush tortillas with remaining oil. Grill for 3 minutes per side or till crisp. Cut the corn from cobs; process chickpea paste, chipotle pepper, and about 2 cups corn in a food processor till almost smooth. Coarsely chop the grilled onion and toss with remaining corn, tomato, and salt. Spread processed mixture over tortillas, top with corn mixture, cheese, avocado, and jalapeño. Top with remaining garnishes as desired.
3. Speedy pizza
What starts as an appetizer for many turns into a substantial and delicious meal. Throwing on fresh toppings and plenty of fresh mozzarella and feta gives this pizza the comfort factor that we crave.
Ingredients:
- One pre-baked, 12-inch crust
- 1 cup prepared hummus
- 3/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- half-cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped Greek olives
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place crust on a baking pan. In a small bowl, mix chickpea paste with oregano and red pepper flakes; spread over crust. Sprinkle with cheese, tomato, and olive. Drizzle with olive oil and add cracked pepper for extra flavor.
4. Layered Greek dip
The vibrant combination of flavors and colors will have you drooling from the moment you feast your eyes on it. Serve with your favorite veggies or toasted pita slices for a delicious and satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces of hummus
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped Greek olives
- Two medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
- One large English cucumber, chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- pita chips or veggies for serving
Directions:
Spread blended chickpeas into the bottom of a shallow serving dish. Layer with the rest of the chopped and prepared ingredients. Serve with your favorite veggies and pita chips for a delicious dish.
5. Greek wrap
This light yet filling wrap can be enjoyed at home or on-the-go. Tuck it into your kids’ lunches to surprise them with a healthy option that is flavorful and fresh.
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp hummus
- One whole-wheat tortilla
- 1/4 cup torn salad greens
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped sweet onion
- 2 Tbsp thinly sliced cucumber
- 3 Tbsp alfalfa sprouts
- 2 Tbsp shredded carrot
- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
Directions:
Spread chickpea mixture over tortilla. Layer it with salad greens, onions, cucumber, sprouts, and carrot. Drizzle with vinaigrette and roll up tightly.
6. Chicken and spinach pasta salad
There’s nothing like a pasta salad to provide substance and flavor to any meal. Instead of oil or mayonnaise in this recipe, the addition of blended chickpeas makes everything brighter and more flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz uncooked whole wheat rotini
- 1/2 cup of hummus
- 3 Tbsp Italian salad dressing
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup cubed cooked chicken breast
- 2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- One can of sliced ripe olives, drained
- crumbled feta cheese
Directions:
Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and rinse with cold water. Combine chickpea paste, Italian dressing, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add pasta and toss to coat. Stir in chicken, tomatoes, spinach, olives, and feta; serve immediately.
7. Mediterranean bulgur bowl
Bulgur is such a tasty and nutritious addition to any meal; dress it up with some Mediterranean flavors and some creamy goodness for a filling and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup bulgur
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups of water
- One can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 6 oz fresh baby spinach
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- One small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup hummus
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- fresh mint for garnish
Directions:
In a 6 quart stockpot, bring the first four ingredients to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 10-12 minutes. Stir in chickpeas and heat through. Remove from heat and stir in spinach. Let stand till spinach is wilted, about 5 minutes, then stir in remaining ingredients and serve immediately.
8. Grilled turkey sandwich
Who needs mayo or butter when you have a creamy layer of chickpea and tahini delight? Dress up this delicious sandwich with an extra kick of flavor, and enjoy anytime.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup chickpea spread
- Four slices of whole-wheat bread
- 4 oz thinly sliced deli turkey
- Four slices tomato
- Two slices pepper jack cheese
- 4 tsp butter, softened
Directions:
Spread bread and top with turkey, tomato, cheese, and remaining bread. Coat outer sides of bread with butter. In a large skillet, toast sandwiches on each side until golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted. Serve with your favorite salad or soup.
9. Cheesy summer squash flatbreads
Who doesn’t love any kind of pizza? This new twist on an old classic will have you begging for more!
Ingredients:
- Three small yellow summer squash, sliced thinly
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups baby spinach, coarsely chopped
- Two naan flatbreads
- 1/3 cup roasted red pepper chickpea spread
- One carton fresh mozzarella cheese pearls
- freshly cracked pepper
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Toss squash with oil and salt; spread in a shallow baking dish and roast for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and stir in spinach. Place naan on a separate baking sheet and spread with chickpea blend. Top with spinach mixture and cheese; place in the oven once more and bake until cheese is melted about 6-8 minutes. Top with freshly cracked pepper.
10. 7 layered Mediterranean dip
We just had to add another dip; its vibrant flavors and bright colors draw the eye and inspire you to start drooling from the moment that you behold the dish. Scoop it up with pita, veggies, or with a giant spoon—the end result is delicious!
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces of hummus
- 1 cup reduced-fat sour cream
- One jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 12 Greek olives, pitted and chopped
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Dipping pieces of your choice
Directions:
Spread chickpeas in the bottom of a nine-inch pie plate. Top with sour cream, red peppers, cheese, onion, and olives. Sprinkle with parsley, and dig in!
Final Thoughts on Enjoying These Variations on Classic Hummus
There you have it—spread a little love on your plate with this delicious super spread, and your tastebuds will be thrilled. Bon Appetit!
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