International Hummus Day
Word of the Week
Tahini (tuh-hee-knee): Popular in the Middle East, tahini is a paste made from toasted, ground sesame seeds. The word comes from the Arabic root word tahana, meaning "to grind."
Marhaba!
Surprise! Today isn't just Friday the 13th. It's also International Hummus Day! This delicious dish seems worth celebrating to me.
First thing's first. While store-bought hummus is yummy, it can get expensive. And on a holiday like this one, I wanted my own, go to authentic recipe. I spoke with our friend Tarik's family and was able to snag one! The catch? Tarik's Grandmother, who he calls Teta, talked me through an unofficial recipe with unofficial measurements. Take a peek at my interpretation of the recipe below. . .and remember, you can always adjust slightly!
Teta's Traditional Hummus
1 can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup of water
Juice from 1/2 a lemon
1-2 garlic cloves (or 1/2 tsp of garlic powder)
2-4 tablespoons of tahini
2 tablespoons of olive oil
A pinch of salt
Combine all ingredients and blend! It's that simple! Pro tip: If you're wanting your hummus extra smooth, place the ingredients in a bowl and microwave for 30-60 seconds before blending. Want your hummus a little thicker? Add a bit more tahini. Want some extra zing? Squeeze a bit more lemon juice in. The beauty of making your own hummus is that you can tweak it to taste! Pssst. . .garbanzo beans are just fancy for chickpeas!
Here are some health benefits and interesting facts that I found about hummus:
Hummus contains vitamin B6, which can lift your mood!
The olive oil and garlic help fight inflammation.
It's a great source of plant-based protein, keeping you fuller for longer.
Chickpeas are beans and packed full of fiber. They help keep you. . .regular.
It's naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free, making it a great option for people with sensitive systems or food allergies.
Hummus doesn't just stop and end with the traditional recipe. This dip has become so, incredibly popular, that there are countless types and flavors people have created using things like beets, cauliflower, chocolate, avocados, and even peanuts! I found a website listing some unique and intriguing recipes I intend to try. Find them below.
8 Unique Hummus Flavors - Mind Over Munch
I hope I've inspired you to celebrate with this incredibly healthy and satisfying snack!
Gram