Hummus is often served as a dip for pita bread, but that’s not the extent of this flavorful and nutritious blend of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil from the Middle East. As a must-have for any meze platter, hummus may seem like its only purpose is to sit alongside baba ghanoush with the flatbread, but hummus can be used in several creative ways and is ideally suited to those looking to add a burst of protein, B6 and iron without adding unhealthy fats.
Vegetables
Several crudités can benefit from the rich, nutty flavor of hummus. In the Middle East, it is commonly eaten with cucumber, both pickled and unpickled, for a satisfying crunch. For those aiming for something a little sweeter, slice tomatoes and carrots for easy dipping. For lunch on-the-go, pack baby carrots and snap peas for a simple yet flavorful meal. For a colorful platter for your next event, use broccoli, cauliflower, celery, sliced red peppers, grape tomatoes, radishes and even jicama.
Wraps
Hummus makes an excellent alternative to other condiments and can add significantly more flavor as well. For a vegetarian treat, use hummus, endive, roasted peppers, tomato, cucumber and feta cheese. If you’re dealing with a pickier eater, sneak it into a classic turkey and swiss wrap along with hearty romaine lettuce; the nuttiness of the swiss goes surprisingly well with hummus, and hummus can be a creamy alternative to mayonnaise or salad dressing.
A dish of hummus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Breakfast
Hard-boiled eggs are commonly eaten with hummus in the Middle East, and they can be an excellent high protein snack after an hour at the gym or as an alternative to eggs and meat in the morning. Serve alongside a small salad of red onion, tomato and cucumber for a burst of vitamins to help replenish lost energy stores or revitalize your mind after a night’s rest. For a sweet treat, combine chickpeas, maple syrup, cinnamon, yogurt and peanut butter, and serve with a piece of toast, sliced bananas and a sprinkling of almonds.
Pizza
Cut baguettes at an angle, and brush with olive oil before toasting on the grill. Once toasted, top with a layer of hummus followed by grilled zucchini and yellow squash along with grilled asparagus and peppers. Finish off either over the grill or in the oven along with shavings of Asiago cheese for a delicious alternative to traditional pizzas. For a quick version, place hummus onto a pita along with feta cheese, red onion and roasted peppers, and bake until golden brown.
Tacos
Why settle for one region of the world when you can have two? Toast up corn tortillas, and add your favorite panko-crusted white fish along with a healthy dollop of hummus in lieu of sour cream or salsa. Squeeze lime juice over the top, and garnish with shredded cabbage to add a bit of crunch to your tacos. Spice up your hummus using Sriracha sauce or wasabi for a pleasant kick.
