hummous

Hummous, also spelled hummus or houmous in some varieties, is a creamy dip or spread made from cooked chickpeas mashed with tahini (sesame paste), lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. It is a staple of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines and is often served as part of a mezze assortment or as a sandwich spread. The name comes from the Arabic word ḥummuṣ, meaning chickpeas.

The basic recipe uses mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil, blended until smooth. Salt is usually added, and water or the chickpea cooking liquid (aquafaba) can be used to adjust the texture. Many cooks also incorporate spices or flavorings such as cumin, paprika, roasted garlic, or fresh herbs.

Hummous is commonly garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and toppings such as sesame seeds, paprika, or chopped parsley. It is typically served with warm pita bread or vegetables for dipping and is a popular component of mezze platters. It can also be used as a spread in sandwiches, wraps, or burgers.

Nutritionally, hummous provides plant-based protein and fiber from chickpeas, along with healthy fats from tahini and olive oil. Commercial varieties vary in sodium and fat content. The dip is dairy-free and suitable for vegan diets, but sesame allergies must be considered, and some brands may involve cross-contamination with gluten.

Originating in the Levant and eastern Mediterranean, hummous has many regional variations and widespread international popularity. Historical references to dishes resembling hummous appear in medieval cookbooks, and today it is produced in countless preparations worldwide, from plain to intensely flavored varieties.