It’s yummy, everyone loves it and it can be eaten with almost anything. There are a very few dishes about which this can be said. One among that rare breed is hummus. It’s also healthy and so eating it is good for you. The word superfood is overused and nutritionists often refuse to use the term, saying it is misleading. Be that as it may, hummus is tasty and good for you. So, if that is the criteria for it to be a superfood, hummus qualifies.

What Is It?

Almost everyone has tried hummus at least once. But not everyone knows what goes into this great dish. The ingredients are surprisingly simple – chickpeas, sesame paste, garlic and olive oil. That’s all there is to a dish of hummus. Of course, you can add to it to create your own dish, but the basic one is what most people love. The main ingredient is chickpeas, which are very high in protein, healthy carbs and fiber. Along with other legumes, chickpeas are included in almost every list of the healthiest foods in the world. Garlic and olive oil are among the most researched ingredients and over the years studies have shown that they are both good for health and work to boost immunity. A dash of lemon juice to the dish adds not just a special kick to the dish, it also incorporates a dash of vitamin C into it. No, hummus, falafel, kunafeh and other great dishes from the Mediterranean will not make you a superwoman, neither will they ensure that you never fall sick, but hummus and other dishes will always help to keep you healthy. Plant-based food is good for you – ask any nutritionist. 

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Also Read: What Is Mediterranean Food?

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The Recipe

Combine 1 can of chickpeas with ¼ cup of sesame paste (tahini), 2 tablespoons of olive oil, juice of half a lemon and garlic to taste. Blitz them in a blender until smooth and it is ready. Try this basic recipe once and then go on to varying the proportions to modify the flavor and adjust the thickness to make it exactly what your family loves. Just remember that hummus is a dip and not a sauce - a thick consistency is required. You can enjoy your hummus with whole-grain pita bread – that’s the traditional way, or you can use it as a dip to eat along with carrot spears, cucumber slices and slices of other fresh raw vegetables. Tasty, healthy low calorie and filling – what more could you want?

Buy Hummus

If you don’t feel like making it yourself, you can always buy hummus. It's available at most supermarkets and grocery stores. However, if you want to be sure of buying a genuine product, with the traditional taste and nutritional value, get it from a Mediterranean or Turkish grocery or deli online. Not only will you find the best in packaged hummus, but you will also find a wide range of other great ingredients and dishes that you must try. As long as it's Mediterranean food, your meal will be a delicious and healthy one.

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