Oh, hummus, how I love you. There's nothing quite like the creamy, garlicky goodness that is hummus. Whether you love it as a dip for your pita chips or as a spread on your favorite sandwich, hummus always hits the spot. But what does hummus taste like? Well, let me tell you!
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What is Hummus?
Hummus is a dip or spread that has been around for ages and originated in the Middle East. It's typically made with chickpeas (garbanzo beans) but can also be made with other legumes, such as fava beans.
It's often served as part of appetizers or as an accompaniment to other dishes. The word “hummus” actually means "chickpea" in Arabic and Turkish, so the name makes sense.
What is Hummus Made Of?
Hummus is usually made with chickpeas (garbanzo beans), tahini (sesame seed paste), garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.
While this is the basic recipe for hummus, many variations include adding other ingredients such as herbs, spices, yogurt, nuts & seeds, and more! No matter which version you try, though - you won't be disappointed!
RELATED READ: If chickpeas are an ingredient you enjoy using, you may be interested in our Chickpea Flour Substitute article, which, in the end, has a recipe that shows you how to make homemade chickpea flour.
What Does Hummus Taste Like?
Hummus has a creamy consistency and a nutty flavor that is both savory and slightly sweet. Let's explore the taste based on the ingredients in Hummus.
1. Taste of Chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
The most important ingredient in Hummus is chickpeas (garbanzo beans)! This is what gives hummus its signature taste, so you could say hummus tastes like mushed chickpeas. Chickpeas have a mild nutty flavor and when combined with the other ingredients create an irresistibly savory taste that will make you want to come back for more!
2. Taste of Garlic and Lemon Juice
The first thing you'll notice when tasting hummus is its garlic flavor. The garlic gives it a bit of a kick but it's not overwhelming by any means. Combined with the fresh lemon juice, it creates an irresistible tanginess that makes it hard to resist going back for more. The combination of these two flavors forms the backbone of what makes hummus so delicious.
3. Taste of Tahini and Olive Oil
The next layer of flavor comes from tahini and olive oil. Tahini gives the hummus a nutty flavor while also providing creaminess to the texture.
Meanwhile, olive oil adds a smooth richness to each bite and helps balance out some of the tartness from the lemon juice. This combination gives hummus its unique savory flavor profile which is why it pairs so well with most dishes.
4. Taste of Spices
Finally, there are those wonderful spices that make all the difference in how flavorful your hummus can be! Depending on who is making it and how they like their hummus prepared, spices such as cumin, paprika, sumac, or even chili powder can be added for extra zing and complexity to every bite!
These spices bring out different notes in the dish and help round out its overall flavor profile- making sure no one bite tastes exactly like another!
Is Hummus Gluten Free?
Now for the million-dollar question - is hummus gluten-free? The short answer is yes! As long as all the ingredients used to make the hummus are certified gluten-free (which they usually are), then you can enjoy this delicious dip without worrying about getting sick afterward.
Hummus itself contains no wheat or grains so there's no need to worry about its safety unless an added ingredient isn't certified GF (gluten-free). So go ahead and dig into some yummy hummus without fear - it's completely safe for those with a sensitivity to gluten!
What To Eat With Hummus?
Who doesn’t love the zesty flavor of hummus? Whether it’s a snack on its own or part of a meal, this creamy paste is always welcome. But what’s the best way to eat hummus? Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this tasty treat!
- Veggies – Carrots, celery, and peppers are great for dipping in hummus. Not only do they provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy dip, but they also offer a nutritious element as well.
- Chips - This one may be a bit obvious but it’s still worth mentioning! Pita chips, tortilla chips, and even potato chips make great accompaniments for hummus.
- Crackers - Of course, if you want something a little more substantial than chips, crackers are another great option. Crackers give you that nice crunchy texture while still being light enough for easy dipping.
- Toast - If you’re looking for something heartier than crackers, try toast! Toast provides an excellent base for creaminess from the hummus and can be topped with different ingredients like tomatoes or cheese for an added twist.
- Flatbread - Flatbreads such as pita bread or Lebanese mountain bread offer an alternative to toast that is slightly lighter in texture but just as delicious. Whether you use store-bought flatbread or whip up your own at home, they are sure to go perfectly with your favorite hummus dip.
- Falafel – Another classic when it comes to enjoying hummus! Falafel is perfect for loading up with generous helpings of tasty dips like hummus or tahini sauce.
- Fruits – Fruits such as apples or pears also make excellent dipping partners for hummus! Just cut them into slices and get ready to enjoy a sweet and savory snack combo.
- Rice Cakes - Rice cakes give you that same crunchy texture as crackers but with fewer calories and carbs so they’re perfect if you want something lighter than bread products but still flavorful enough to stand up against the boldness of the hummus taste.
- Pretzels – Pretzels are always a good choice when it comes to dips; their salty-sweet flavor pairs nicely with the creamy goodness of your favorite hummus dip!
- Nuts/Seeds – Lastly, nuts and seeds can add some extra crunch and flavor to your snacking experience when paired with hummus; whether roasted or raw both make great additions! You can also sprinkle some herbs on top if you’d like too!
People Also Ask [FAQs]
Yes, hummus does contain protein; a cup of commercial hummus contains about 19g of protein, one tablespoon contains 1.2g, one teaspoon contains 0.4g and 8g per 100g of hummus.
Hummus can last up to 7 days when stored in the refrigerator.
The Spanish word for hummus is puré de garbanzos.
Wrap Up: What Does Hummus Taste Like?
- Hummus is a delicious dip or spread that has been around for centuries.
- It's made with chickpeas (garbanzo beans), tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt - as well as other ingredients like herbs & spices depending on the recipe!
- The combination of these flavors creates an irresistible nutty flavor profile that's both savory and slightly sweet.
- Plus Hummus is gluten-free so those who have sensitivities can enjoy it without worry.
- Now that you know the recipe, it's time to make your own delicious hummus and enjoy its unique flavor and texture! Bon Appétit!
- If you're looking for a creamy, savory dip with a unique flavor, then look no further than this homemade hummus recipe! It's easy to make and takes only minutes of your time.
- I guarantee that after one bite, you'll never go back to store-bought versions again. Give it a try and let me know what you think! I'd love to hear your feedback. Bon Appétit!
🍽️ Recipe
Authentic Hummus Recipe With Tahini
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas also known as garbanzo beans
- ¼ cup tahini paste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil for garnishing, optional
- 1 sprig parsley for garnishing, optional
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas before transferring them to a medium-sized bowl.
- Into the bowl add the olive oil, minced garlic, tahini and lemon juice, and salt.
- Now it's time to blend the ingredients: transfer them to a food processor or blender and combine until you reach your desired smoothness.
- Before serving drizzle some olive oil and garnish with sprig of parsley for color.
- Serve the delicious hummus with pita chips or vegetables for an appetizing snack.
Notes
- For an extra flavor-packed hummus, try roasting the chickpeas before adding them to the recipe! Preheat your oven to 375°F, then spread the beans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast until golden brown, about 15 minutes, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
- For added crunch, top with toasted pine nuts, chives, or fresh parsley.
- For color, you could garnish with parsley, cilantro, or even sprinkle some paprika.
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