This popular dip offers endless possibilities
Hummus has an allure that lies in its deceptive simplicity and the fact that it can pack a punch of flavor and good health.
While classic chickpea hummus reigns supreme, the base can be made with various vegetables, nuts, and even other beans. So do add your favorite herbs or spices to personalize your hummus.
Variations of hummus are abundant, reflecting diverse culinary preferences and cultural influences. Some popular variations include the roasted red pepper hummus that adds a smoky sweetness and vibrant color to the hummus.
Here are suggestions for hummus variants from Santosh Pal, executive sous chef, The Leela Gandhinagar:
Intensify the flavor with roasted or raw garlic.
Incorporate tangy sun-dried tomatoes for a unique twist or infuse your hummus with chili peppers or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Blend creamy avocado for a smooth texture and added nutrients
Add roasted beets for a vibrant pink hue and earthy flavor.
Infuse fresh cilantro and lime juice for a zesty and herby taste.
For a protein-rich alternative, incorporate black beans and use edamame instead of chickpeas.
The Versatility of Hummus
Hummus is not just a dip but can be eaten in so many ways as some chefs explain. Sonu Dhumal, executive chef, Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort says, “Hummus can be used as a spread in sandwiches, burgers, different kinds of rolls, salad dressings, as chicken or meat topping and can be used in vegetable stuffing for salad.”
Karishma Sakhrani, chef & partner, Communion, has additional suggestions. “Hummus can be stirred into soups or stews for added creaminess, used as a topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes, and even incorporated into salad dressings.”
Chef Guntas Sethi offers other creative ways to use hummus. “Use hummus as a base for your pasta sauce,” she says. “Simply mix your hummus with a bit of reserved pasta water, then toss it with cooked pasta and fresh veggies for a delicious meal. Additionally, you can replace traditional pasta sauce with hummus as a spread on your pizza or flatbread. Top it with veggies and cheese, then bake it for a flavorful twist on a classic dish.”
Aasim Shah (founder & MD, Kofteci Group) and Adeeb Shah (co-founder & director, Kofteci Group) say, “In Türkiye, hummus is not just a dip, but also typically part of various small plates and large plates due to its rich flavor, creamy texture, and multiple variations.”
Recipe For Classic Hummus
Recipe courtesy: Chef Gaurav Anand, director of culinary, Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park
Ingredients For Classic Hummus
Boiled chickpeas 3.5 ounces
Tahini 1 tbsp
Extra virgin olive oil 3 tbsp
Garlic 1 ounce
Cumin powder ½ tsp
Salt to taste
Lemon juice 1 tbsp
Heirloom tomato 1.7 ounces
Green chili 3 tsp
Parsley 2 tsp
Steps To Make Classic Hummus
Combine all ingredients in the food processor. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
If the hummus is too thick, slowly add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If required, you can add more lemon juice, garlic, salt, or cumin to taste.
Char the tomato in a charcoal grill and peel off the skin then in a bowl add finely chopped chilly, parsley, lemon juice, and salt as per taste, and smash it with the help of a muddler to achieve the rustic consistency.
In a bowl add the hummus and spread it with the help of a spoon and make a hollow in the center then add the charred heirloom tomato relish garnish with olive oil and serve as per your liking.
