Hummus Is Not Just a Dip

[Annacia]

Hummus is one of the oldest foods known, dating back to Egypt over 7,000 years ago. It is a popular food in Greek and Syrian cultures as well. If you like Middle Eastern food you'll know that Hummus comes in many different forms and has many different flavors.

In traditional Syrian cooking the recipe is very simple; cooked and mashed garbanzo beans (chickpeas), sesame tahini (sesame paste), garlic, lemon juice and olive oil. This is traditionally served as an appetizer with hot, fresh pita bread or pita chips, and/or fresh veggies. Hummus is also good on pita bread sandwiches as the spread to hold your favorite lamb, pork, beef, lettuce, tomato, cucumber and sprouts.
The possibilities are endless.

Because Hummus is made of a legume, it is a healthy alternative and it can be very filling.

If you are on a restricted diet, more and more nutritionists suggest that you have Hummus and fresh veggies as your afternoon snack. This can help your body to be healthier because of the properties of the legumes and low-fat and high fiber this particular dish presents.

If you love hummus you are not alone. I agree that it is the perfect dip, and with all the variations of hummus your taste buds will never need to be bored with the same flavor! Hummus can be used in other recipes besides as a dip.

One of my favorites is cherry tomatoes filled with hummus. Cut off the tops of cherry tomatoes, scoop out the seeds, and use a piping bag to fill each tomato with hummus. You can also go bigger with hummus filled tomatoes, where different flavors of hummus can be used for a unique appetizer.

Hummus is also wonderful as a filling for deviled eggs. For this recipe, hummus replaces the typical egg yolks as you would normally find as a filling.



I also have to mention crostini spread with hummus then topped with with shaved roast beef. Not only does it make a great presentation, but the flavors really compliment each other and make for a satisfying and very tasty appetizer.

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How about Chicken Pizza with Hummus!



- Pizza crust
- Hummus for sauce (any flavor that you like)
- Chicken slices or pieces
- Onions
- Sun dried tomatoes
- Bell peppers
- Mushrooms
- Mozzarella cheese
- Asparagus (optional)
- Marsala cooking wine
- Olive oil
- Thyme
- Lemon pepper

I sometimes use it in place of Mayonnaise on sandwiches which works very well. This one is good:

2 slices whole wheat bread
hummus to spread the bread
shredded carrot
red bell pepper slices
1 small tomato, sliced thin
thin onion slices to taste
lettuce



Come on and tell us how you like to use hummus.

[chef FIFI]

In the Middle East hummus isn't a dip, it's a side dish, mostly enjoyed for breakfast.....yum

[Annacia]

Hi FiFi

I never thought of it for breakfast. Is it eaten as is or along with something else?

[Elmotoo]

dd takes hummus to school for lunch & eats it with pita bread that i *have* to get from the specialty store NOT the pita breads at the supermarket, lol.

never thought of it as a breakfast food, tho.

[chef FIFI]

The middle eastern table specifically Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Lebanon breakfast table will consist of and it will vary....hummus, foul(fava bean), cheese (various types are used), falafel, sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, olive oil and za' atar, olives, sardines, sliced luncheon meat, lebaneh, french fried potatoes, fried tomatoes....those are the types of breakfast choices you will see on a table......not all, but the above to be served in various combinations with each other, served with bread and tea.

[Annacia]

What a very different breakfast style from what we here in North America are used to. I relish trying the new and different in most all things but my DH would be aghast at not having his daily oatmeal and be in a serious funk.

[Cookgirl]

I tried hummus the other day that was made with green garbanzo beans. That was a first. Delicious!


http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/apr/14/garbanzos/

I love hummus in all manners whether the traditional way or
as a fusion offering.

My absolute favorite: Hummus With Pine Nuts Turkish-Style

[Elmotoo]

oh wow! i've never even seen green garbanzo beans. does green = fresh?

[Elmotoo]

oh wow! i've never even seen green garbanzo beans. does green = fresh?

[Cookgirl]

I assumed because the hummus the green that it contained spinach to make it green (or kale, or leeks, etc) or similar in it. As the server explained the garbanzos (which are grown locally in Idaho) are picked prematurely then flash frozen. The texture is not as "mealy"-for lack of a better description as ripe garbanzo beans (meaning standard beige as we all know them) and taste very similar to fresh green peas. They were very good and I was happy to discover them. Now to find green garbanzos...that's the trick.

[duonyte]

I have made wraps using hummus - flour tortilla, spread thinly with hummus, sprinkle with sumac or zaatar, layer on thinly sliced turkey, then add some veggies - usually slices cucumbers, maybe radishes or tomato, depends on what I have. Roll up and there you have it!

[Annacia]

Cookgirl wrote:
I assumed because the hummus the green that it contained spinach to make it green (or kale, or leeks, etc) or similar in it. As the server explained the garbanzos (which are grown locally in Idaho) are picked prematurely then flash frozen. The texture is not as "mealy"-for lack of a better description as ripe garbanzo beans (meaning standard beige as we all know them) and taste very similar to fresh green peas. They were very good and I was happy to discover them. Now to find green garbanzos...that's the trick.

Interesting, I love chickpeas and would sure try these IF I could find some.

[Annacia]

duonyte wrote:
I have made wraps using hummus - flour tortilla, spread thinly with hummus, sprinkle with sumac or zaatar, layer on thinly sliced turkey, then add some veggies - usually slices cucumbers, maybe radishes or tomato, depends on what I have. Roll up and there you have it!

Sounds good. I really like hummus as a sandwich spread. I have sumac and hummus on hand all I need is the tortilla's. :S

[threeovens]

I made a "fusion" sandwich today. I bought (horrors!) hummus and the recipe was on the top of the container. It suggested a Mediterranean wrap with hummus spread on the tortilla, then lettuce, sliced tomato, and grilled chicken. I used salsa instead of tomatoes. What a great way to make it healthier than using mayo or something. Just delicious!

[Annacia]

I really enjoy it on sandwich's. I've been wondering lately about adding it to some soups, I think it might work well.