Eating healthy is important, whether you’re looking for your next meal or just in need of a snack. One type of food that’s growing in popularity and gives you plenty of options for how to eat it is hummus. Hummus is made of ground chickpeas and can be used as a dip or spread. There are plenty of recipes with hummus that you can try to help you eat healthier.
What is hummus made of? Besides ground chickpeas, hummus also uses tahini, a type of sesame paste. Hummus can be made with a variety of different additives and flavors, such as red pepper, spinach and artichoke, sun-dried tomato, lemon, spices, and roasted garlic hummus dips. Hummus typically contains no cholesterol or saturated fat and is a good source of protein. It works great on sandwiches, or it can be used for dipping crackers, vegetables, and almost any other snack food.
Hummus has origins in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean regions, including Palestine, Israel, Egypt, Yemen, and Syria and is also found in some Greek cuisine. However, it’s also increasing in popularity in America. In recent years, it has become a health food staple, and by 2008, more than 15 million Americans reported consuming hummus on a regular basis. Market research conducted in 2010 reported sales reaching nearly $300 million and consumption increasing by 35% in a period of 21 months. As the need for better nutrition options grows in the United States, more and more people are turning to using recipes with hummus in their diets.
Recipes with hummus often call for it to be eaten with pita bread, but you can substitute any bread you prefer. Hummus also goes well with fresh vegetables, either raw or cooked, and can be eaten with grains such as couscous or quinoa. Hummus works well in vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets and is typically free of many common allergens, but even those who eat without restrictions will enjoy this versatile food. Visit your grocery store today to try one of the many hummus brands and varieties available.