A Good Introduction to the Famous & Creamy Hummus Dip
There's an array of Pakistani dishes for people to try out, offering a world of flavour like no other. Some dishes are a little less known, such as the iced berry pulao, the Pakistani spicy fruit salad or the iconic Seviyan kheer. But one that's a common favourite for plenty of people when talking about Pakistani dishes is hummus.
For those who aren't familiar with it, hummus is a thick, creamy and somewhat garlicky dip that is made by blending chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Continue reading about this Pakistani dish that you don't want to miss the next time you find yourself in a Pakistani restaurant.
The Definition of Hummus
The term hummus is derived from the Arabic word hommus, which is the traditional preparation of chickpeas. It's not just popular in the Middle East, but it's also very famous in North America and in Europe.
Most people don't know this, but hummus was first served as an appetizer in the Middle East. In modern times, it's become a staple choice of food when it comes to mezze, which is a Middle Eastern way of serving small dishes to share with the family or the other diners.
The Composition of Hummus
The staple ingredient of hummus is chickpeas, which are a great source of protein and fibre. Garlic and olive oil are added to make it flavorful as it is blended in sesame seed sauce, lemon juice, salt, and other spice.
Keep in mind that hummus can be made with different types of beans. The resulting paste is then seasoned with lemon juice, salt and pepper. Also, it can be garnished with chopped parsley or paprika. Seek authentically cooked hummus when you try it out.
The Experience of Hummus
Hummus is a very versatile dish and can be used in a variety of ways in the Middle East. It can be used as a dip with bread or used as a filler in pita bread. Hummus can also be quite the hit dish when served alongside pita chips.
When it's served in lahmajoun, a traditional type of bread in Lebanon, it's often considered a foreign version with pizza. But to be more accurate, it's more like a savoury flatbread filled with a ground beef and hummus mixture.
The Advantages of Hummus
Hummus has a lot of impressive nutritional facts that stand out from other types of food. It has a high content of protein and fibre, making it filling and satisfying to consume. It also has a high content of Vitamin C and iron, which can be quite a plus for many people.
A single serving of hummus has only 36 calories, making it a great choice for those who want to lose weight. When you want to incorporate local flavours into your diet, hummus is one of the best things that you can choose.
And while it might be easy to make at home, one of the most satisfying ways to get good hummus is to eat it in a restaurant. The convenience and taste can be pretty fulfilling. Granted, just be sure not to have too many servings of this delicious dish.
Conclusion
Hummus is ideal for those who want to enjoy the flavours of exotic cuisine, as it's one of the best ways to treat your taste buds. Try the staple Pakistani dish for yourself and see how good it truly is to eat, with or without bread.
Want to taste and know more Pakistani dishes? Karakoram Restaurant is a traditional Pakistani restaurant with fine dining, allowing you to experience the flavours of Western, Middle Eastern, Pakistani, and Indian cuisines in Vancouver, CAN. Dine with us today!