7 Interesting Facts About Hummus

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Hummus has become a staple in homes worldwide in recent years. Once eaten only in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, hummus is a traditional food created in that area that has now found worldwide love. Hummus is a food primarily made of a few ingredients that includes chickpeas, olive oil, lemons, garlic, salt, and tahini (a sesame seed paste).

Although it is widely enjoyed by many, there are still some facts about hummus that most don’t know. If you’re a hummus lover, or know someone that is, the following facts might interest you to find out more about one of your favorite foods. So grab a bowl of hummus and sit down for a quick read on a few lesser-known facts about the popular food.

 

1. Hummus Was First Enjoyed In Egypt

The first time a recipe for hummus was recorded was in 13th century Egypt – although it differed a bit from the recipe most are used to now. The recipe then included pureed chickpeas, vinegar, pickled lemons, and herbs, spices and oil. It omitted the now traditional garlic and tahini. A separate recipe also is recorded, this one including tahini, chickpeas, vinegar, and herbs and spices – but this one also omits lemon and garlic. The second recipe was also rolled out and dried overnight before being eaten!

 

2. Hummus Is Made Differently Depending On The Region

Many countries and regions claim hummus as their own, but each one has a distinct twist on how they make the dish. For instance, Turkish hummus is made with butter instead of oil and in Jordan the tahini is sometimes substituted by yogurt. Different regions also means a difference in the temperature of the dish – some countries eat hummus usually warm while others serve it cold.

 

3. Hummus Had A Movie Made About It

In 2012, an Australian film maker created the movie, Make Hummus Not War and he studied the idea if the regional love for hummus could be the solution to peace in the Middle East. It was a mashup of recipes, history, kitchen tours and political talk. Although it didn’t become a popular movie, Make Hummus Not War is an interesting perspective on a region that is fraught with tensions and conflicts.

 

 

4. Hummus Holds A Guinness Record

The world record for the biggest plate of hummus was set in May of 2010 when 300 chefs in the area of Beirut created a 23,040 pound plate of hummus! It took them eight tons of chickpeas, two tons of tahini, two tons of lemon juice and 150 pounds of olive oil. The record dish was nearly double the weight of the previous record-holder.

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