It could be the Lebanese, the Israelis, the Syrians or the Egyptians – they all claim to have created hummus. If that’s all they’re fighting about, then folks, we might see peace in the Middle-East! Hummus is simply made of cooked chickpeas mixed with a number of other ingredients we all have in our homes. There are (at least) 5 reasons we love hummus – get ready.
It’s Healthy As Heck
Before we get into the yumminess that is hummus, let’s put that rumbling tummy on the back burner (only for a moment, I promise) and explore the health benefits of one of the Mediterranean’s oldest dishes. Hummus has been proven to balance cholesterol levels, reduce hypertension and protect against heart diseases. Talk about an all-in-one health package!
It’s Vegan Friendly
As a vegetarian or a vegan, getting the protein your body needs can be quite challenging sometimes. But when it comes to hummus, the protein is virtually oozing from all sides and no-one is complaining about that. Hummus doesn’t just stop there, fellow plant lovers, it also helps strengthen your bones which are pretty darn important if you ask me.
It Goes With Pretty Much Anything
Hummus is versatile; you can put it pretty much with anything, although we do recommend skipping a few specific combinations – cereal is just one example. You can use it as a side dish, as a main dish, as a snack dish, as a satellite dish… wait, what? Scratch that last one. If you asked me, I’d tell you to smear it on some pita, use it as a dip for fresh veggies, or simply eat it with some cooked beans. Either way, you’re going to be licking the plate clean when it’s all gone.
It’s Easy To Make
You definitely don’t need to be the Zohan to know how to whip up a mouth-watering plate (or bowl) of hummus. All you need is 6 minutes and the following things:
**Ingredients**
– 15-ounce can chickpeas
– 1 clove garlic
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons tahini (if you don’t have, it’s not a necessity)
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika (save till the end)
**Process**
– Throw all the ingredients into a food processor and let it work until the consistency is smooth and creamy (add water or oil if you need to)
– Smear it onto a plate with the back of a spoon in a circular motion
– Drizzle olive oil and the paprika on top
**Eat It**
– Yeah, you don’t need an explanation for this one.
– You can add pretty much anything to the spread. Roasted vegetables, cooked meat, fresh onion and boiled eggs are a favorite, too.
It’s The Gateway To Peace, Maybe
Hey, it’s no secret that food connects people. If the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, then surely the way to a nation’s heart would be the same. If everyone could just sit down together for a hearty meal of hummus at the dinner table, perhaps we’d be able to get somewhere at the negotiations table, too.