Even if you’ve never tried it, chances are you’ve heard of this iconic chickpea dip.
But what does hummus taste like? Is it creamy, salty, or sweet? Let’s find out!
“Hummus.” You’ve probably seen it in the grocery store.
Or maybe you’ve seen it on the menus of various Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurants. But you’ve never dared order it because you have no idea what it is.
If you’ve always wondered what hummus is, but have been hesitant to ask, today is your lucky day!
Don’t miss out on the greatness that is hummus just because you don’t know what it is! Don’t let your fear of the unknown stop you from trying new things.
I’m here to explain everything you need to know about hummus – what it’s made of, what it’s used for, and most importantly, what it tastes like.
So, are you ready to give hummus a chance?
What is Hummus?
Hummus is a dish originating from the Middle East. It is primarily made of chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans); but its flavor is enhanced with olive oil, sesame, garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
It’s mainly used as a spread or dip for chips, crackers, veggies, and other snacks. In fact, I like eating spoonfuls of hummus on its own.
It’s that good. But there are lots of ways to eat hummus.
Since hummus is made from chickpeas, it is 100% vegan-friendly. It’s also packed with tons of nutrients and minerals such as Vitamin B, Iron, Fiber, and Phosphorus.
Eating hummus has lots of health benefits, too.
It has anti-inflammatory properties, reduces the risk of heart disease, and aids in weight loss and keeping your blood sugar in check.
What more could you ask for?
What Does Hummus Taste Like?
If you’re not a fan of chickpeas, don’t worry, because hummus tastes nothing like them.
While it serves as the base of the dish, its flavor changes because of the other elements added to it.
Hummus is like a creamy paste oozing with rich umami flavors. The dip has a melt-in-your-mouth consistency that tastes rich and garlicky.
While it tastes like nothing else in the world, its texture resembles that of mayonnaise and other creamy spreads. But, since it is made of chickpeas, it is much more nutritious and has fewer calories.
And you know what? Hummus is extremely versatile! If you switch things up in the recipe a little, you can form different flavors to suit your preferences.
For instance, give your hummus a fiery flavor by infusing the chickpeas with red peppers. Or give it an autumn flair by adding some sweet potatoes. You could also give it a greener hue by mixing in some spinach and feta.
Of course, you can never go wrong with bacon, so add that to your hummus to give it a smoky twist.
Last of all, how about a sweet treat – chocolate and peanut butter hummus, anyone?
How to Make Hummus?
So, ready to try making your very own homemade hummus? Don’t worry, it’s easy, and so much better than store-bought! Here’s how:
- In a food processor or blender, combine 2 cups of canned chickpeas (drained), 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 1/3 cup of tahini, 2 cloves of garlic (halved), and 1 teaspoon of salt. Blend until it forms a smooth mixture.
- Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the chickpea mixture. Top with 1 teaspoon of minced fresh parsley and a pinch of paprika.
- Enjoy!
What to eat with Hummus?
Vegetables
I always love cucumbers, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, celery, and radishes, but any crunchy veggie works!
Crunchy Snacks
Apart from veggies, crunchy snacks such as tortilla chips, pretzels, and crackers also serve as fantastic vessels for the stunning dip.
Fruits and Nuts
If you love the combination of sweet and savory, try dipping your apples and pears in hummus. The flavors and textures work so well together, every bite is like fireworks in your mouth!
If you’ve got some chocolate hummus lying around the house, why not dip some fresh strawberries in it?
Or how about some nuts with hummus? While almonds and cashews are already nutritious and delicious by themselves, dipping them in hummus will only make them taste even better.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are crazy good, but they’re not always the healthiest option. If you can’t resist this sinful snack, but don’t want to consume too many calories, simply ditch the mayo. Use hummus instead and still enjoy the drool-worthy treat, minus the guilt.
Pasta Sauce
Hummus is such a thick and creamy spread, you can use it as a pasta sauce. Make an easy breezy dish for dinner by mixing hummus with your favorite pasta noodles. It may be simple, but it’s a hearty and nutritious meal that’s bursting with flavor.
Avocados
Also known as the fruit of millennials, avocados are incredibly creamy, nutty, and flavorful. What makes them so great is that they’re good for the body.
You know what else is good for the body? Hummus! So, go ahead and make your avocado snack even better by topping it with a dollop of hummus. Yum!
What Does Hummus Taste Like?
Ingredients
Hummus
Instructions
- It’s garlicky with strong umami flavors. It’s smooth and creamy like mayonnaise.
- Enjoy your hummus!
