Homemade hummus is an easy-to-make snack or appetizer that’s perfect with crackers or raw vegetables. You can also serve it as a spread on sandwiches or toast.
Chickpeas make a rich base for a creamy dip that’s light and fresh. Add tahini, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil for a flavor-packed spread.
Ingredients
Hummus is a Middle Eastern staple made from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil and lemon juice. It’s easy to make at home, and it’s a great way to get some extra protein in your diet.
The ingredients in hummus are known to have many benefits for your health. In particular, it has been shown to lower levels of cholesterol in your body. This is important because high levels of cholesterol can lead to heart disease and other diseases.
It can also help to combat inflammation in your body, which can be linked to many health problems. It also contains plenty of vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent choice for people who are looking to boost their nutrition.
To make hummus, you need some chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans), tahini, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic. These ingredients can be found in most grocery stores, and they are easily combined to form a creamy paste that is delicious on its own or as part of a spread.
If you want a super smooth and creamy texture, you can try blending the ingredients in a food processor. This process will ensure that the hummus is very creamy and will hold its shape when you dip a spoon into it. You may need to add more water as you go, but this is a quick and easy way to get the best results.
You can also add in some caramelized onions for an additional layer of flavor. Just saute some onion in a bit of olive oil, and then add the cooked onions to your hummus when it’s ready.
Another option is to use tahini, a ground sesame paste that is infused with garlic and lemon juice. This is a great way to add an extra layer of flavor without the added fat that you might find in store-bought versions of hummus.
In addition, hummus is packed with antioxidants that can help to fight free radicals and inflammation in the body. This helps to prevent serious conditions like cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
You can also serve hummus with pita bread or crackers to get a little more protein in your diet. It also goes well with fresh veggies and even deviled eggs.
Preparation
Hummus is a simple, delicious and incredibly healthy dip that has become popular worldwide in recent years. It consists of a blend of chickpeas, olive oil, garlic and lemon juice.
It is often served with pita bread or falafel and is a staple in the Middle East and North Africa. In addition to its health benefits, it has also become increasingly popular in the West as a vegan alternative to other dips and spreads.
The key to a great hummus is in the chickpeas, and they should be cooked until very soft but not mushy. They should be drained thoroughly to remove any excess water and the skins. Draining the chickpeas will help you get the creamy texture that hummus is known for, but if you want to make an extra creamy hummus, try peeling the membranes off of the cooked chickpeas before you puree them (this step is optional but can be very helpful).
To prepare the hummus, combine the tahini, garlic, lemon juice, water, salt, and pepper in a food processor and pulse until smooth. If you have trouble getting the mixture to a smooth consistency, add more water as needed.
You can add other ingredients such as roasted red or green bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, feta cheese, or even a little spinach to your hummus, and you can also add spices such as cumin, coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, and mint for added flavor.
Another ingredient you can add to your hummus is raw garlic. Garlic is a powerful nutrient, providing you with lots of vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, selenium, potassium, and sulfur. It also has antibacterial, antioxidant and antifungal properties that can help protect against a number of illnesses.
A final tip for making hummus is to ensure that you use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil. This type of olive oil will be a better source of nutrients than the cheaper options that often contain additives and chemicals.
You can add a variety of other ingredients to your hummus, including roasted peppers, artichokes, spinach, kale, and more. However, the base for most hummus recipes is mashed chickpeas. They are a great source of protein and fiber, and they can provide adequate amounts of vitamin B and folate.
Storage
The shelf life of hummus can vary greatly depending on the variety, but you should generally store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. The longer the dip is left out at room temperature, the more likely it is to spoil.
This is why it is a good idea to only serve the amount of hummus you will be using at a given time, so you can prevent it from being exposed to excessive moisture and bacteria. You should also always use clean utensils when serving it.
Homemade hummus usually lasts a few days in the fridge. If you want to store it for a longer period of time, try freezing it in small portions.
If you are planning to freeze your hummus, you should use an airtight container or a freezer bag. This will help protect it from freezer burn and odors.
It is also a good idea to portion the hummus before you freeze it, since this will reduce your risk of contamination. You can do this in a number of ways, including by using a baking sheet to spoon the hummus out into scoop-sized portions and then transferring these to an airtight container or freezer bag.
You should also check the hummus’s expiration date before you start storing it in your freezer. If the hummus is not dated, you should discard it right away.
Some brands of hummus have an expiration date printed on the side. While these products are safe to eat, they should be consumed within a few days of their printed date to ensure the best quality possible.
The only exception to this rule is a product called “shelf-stable” hummus, which can be kept out at room temperature without refrigeration. This variety is often sold in small containers, so it is easier to transport.
However, you should still refrigerate this type of hummus if it is open and you plan on using it for more than a few days. This is because it can only be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of seven days before it spoils.
Variations
Hummus is a delicious and healthy dip that can be served as a spread or to accompany pita chips, salads, sandwiches and many other meals. It is also a great source of fiber, protein and other nutrients that help keep you full and control your appetite.
It is made from a variety of ingredients, including chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil and tahini. While some recipes may vary by region, hummus is generally a simple and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by almost anyone.
The most common way to make hummus is to put all of the ingredients in a food processor and blend them until smooth. You can add a pinch of salt or ground cumin to your hummus if you want.
Whether you make your own hummus or buy it at the store, it is important to check the label to see how much sodium is in the recipe. It is not a good idea to consume too much sodium, as it can have negative health effects on the body.
In addition to being low in sodium, hummus is an excellent source of dietary fiber and can help control blood sugar levels. It is also a good source of iron and potassium, which are essential minerals for your heart and kidneys.
If you are a vegan or have a nut allergy, you can use avocado instead of tahini in your hummus. This creamy, spreadable alternative has a similar consistency to tahini and is a great way to add healthy fats to your diet.
Another way to improve the flavor of your hummus is to use better quality sea salt. Unlike processed table salt, sea salt is a natural salt that has many benefits. It contains 60 trace minerals and is known to balance sodium and potassium levels in the body.
It can also aid in digestion and boost your immunity. It is also a natural anti-inflammatory, which makes it a wonderful addition to any meal.
You can make your own hummus in your food processor or high-powered blender, but if you want to be sure you get the best results, you should purchase a pre-made variety from the store. You should also make sure you use only the freshest ingredients when making your own.
