There are many snack foods saturating the shelves today. From chip dips to cookies to fruit snacks, there’s no shortage of treats to be had. But how many treats contain up to 2.3 grams of protein per serving, plus calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B, and potassium? The answer to that can only be hummus.
What is hummus dip, exactly? Hummus is a Middle Eastern/Mediterranean chick pea and tahini dip that has been a mainstay in Eastern countries for centuries. Originally, hummus recipes were made with only a few ingredients: chick peas, tahini, lemon, and olive oil, and topped with spices and more olive oil. Today, there are variations of that recipe, and different hummus brands utilize different ingredients.
Hummus was not always popular in the United States. Rather, it came into American consciousness around the 1960s, when it began appearing on health food store shelves. At first, not everyone understood and accepted the creamy, tangy deliciousness that is hummus. But what began as a $5 million industry evolved into a $300 million industry, seemingly overnight.
And the best part about hummus is how versatile the dip is. For those who love to snack, it’s great for dipping, dunking and smearing. If you love your carbs, hummus goes great on a bagel with some cheese and tomato. If you’re more of a veggie lover, take some carrot sticks and dunk it right into some roasted red pepper hummus dip. For those looking to take sandwiches to the next level, take the same roasted red pepper hummus dip or basil pesto hummus and use it as the ultimate sandwich condiment. The possibilities are endless, really.
So how will you choose to hummus? After you read this article, we challenge you to get out there, find your favorite brand or flavor, and craft a unique recipe using hummus. Be as creative as you want, and let us know in the comments below what you think!