This delicious Middle Eastern dip can be called, hamos, hommos, hommus, homos, houmous, hummos, hummous, or humus. Which ever spelling is known to you, this luscious and very delicious chick pea dip / or spread – is a Middle Eastern classic that has spread it self throughout the world. The key ingredients are simple: cooked chick peas, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. The optional extras: tahini, natural yoghurt, ground paprika, cumin or sumac.
For many of us only ever use dried chickpeas. These need to be soaked overnight and cooked until tender. Followed by a quick puree to the desired consistency with other ingredients. (see tip 4). But for the quick cooks: a can of drained chick peas makes it easy work. yes you can buy many different brands of hummous, but they are often too thin and very boring in texture and flavour.
The ‘traditiona’l will only ever use dried (soaked and cook chick peas) and yes I must agree it makes all the difference to the end result.
Tips for success:
1. Soak the chick peas in double their weight of cold water over night.
2. Drain and change the water (a very important step) if you are wanting to reduce the ‘windy’ after effects of beans & pulses.
3. Using clean water, cook the chick peas until tender. Don’t add salt as this makes the skins fall off. Boil for 30 minutes to 45 minutes or until tender. The cooking time depends on the age and quality of the dried chickpeas.4. Drain and cool. Puree to desired consistency with your choice of flavours. I like at least 3 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp natural yoghurt, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, finely grated juice & rind of 2 lemons and plenty of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. To serve drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with either paprika or cumin.
5. Often I through in loads of parsley and chives too. If using canned chick peasthe organic brands normally have great quality. Remember to drain well and use as above.
I serve hummus as a dip – with loads of fresh vegie pieces and or spread on wraps or a dollop on grilled lamb or big juicy grilled mushrooms. It is also sensational with avocado and fresh ripe tomatoes. Nutritionally chick peas are high in magnesium, potassium and have loads of fibre – an absolute winner for all ages, toddlers, teenagers and adults.
