Hummus has become a popular food item worldwide, thanks to its delicious and healthy nature. Made from chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, and tahini, the Mediterranean dish is renowned for its savory, nutty flavor and high nutritional value. Hummus can be served as an appetizer or a quick snack, and it makes a great addition to any meal.
If you’re tired of serving your hummus with just carrots, cucumbers, or pita bread, don’t worry. There are many other creative and tasty ways to enjoy this dish. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a casual dinner with friends, or looking for a healthy snack, this article will explore some exciting serving ideas that are sure to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds. In this article, we’ll cover the best accompaniments to serve with hummus that you may not have thought of before.
Traditional Pairings for Hummus
Hummus is a delicious and healthy dip that originated in the Middle East. It’s made from boiled chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. It’s creamy and flavorful, making it a perfect dip for pita chips, crackers, or vegetables. But hummus is not just a dip; it’s a versatile ingredient that can be paired with many different foods.
One of the most traditional pairings for hummus is falafel. Falafel is a deep-fried ball of ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices. It’s often served in a pita bread with hummus, salad, and tahini sauce. This combination makes a delicious and filling vegetarian sandwich. Another classic dip to pair with hummus is baba ganoush. It’s a dip made from roasted eggplants, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. The smoky flavor of the baba ganoush complements the creaminess of the hummus perfectly. Together, they make a delicious dip for crackers or vegetables.
Creative Combos to Try with Hummus
Hummus is a versatile dip that can be enjoyed in many ways. It pairs well with a wide variety of foods, from vegetables and crackers to pita bread and falafel. However, there are also some creative and unexpected combinations that can take your hummus game to the next level.
One delicious option is to serve hummus with roasted sweet potato wedges. The sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the savory taste of the hummus. Another unique combination is to top hummus with a dollop of garlic aioli and serve it with grilled shrimp. The spiciness of the shrimp and the creaminess of the aioli complement the hummus flavor perfectly. Other creative hummus pairings to try include roasted or grilled vegetables, pita bread topped with za’atar spices, and sliced avocado with a sprinkle of sea salt.
Healthy Add-Ons that Complement Hummus
Hummus is a delicious and healthy dip made of chickpeas and tahini. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a dip, spread, or dressing, and can be paired with various foods. To make it a more nutritious meal, one can add some healthy counterparts to it.
Some of the healthy add-ons that complement hummus are fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, celery, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, which not only add crunch and flavor but are also nutrient-dense. Roasted vegetables like sweet potato, cauliflower, broccoli are also a great option. Similarly, fruits like apples, strawberries, grapes, and pears can bring a sweet and tangy flavor to hummus. Sprinkling some nuts, seeds, and dried fruits like almonds, pistachios, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and dried cranberries adds a healthy dose of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, making it a complete meal. Adding a few drops of lemon, paprika, olive oil, or parsley can enhance the taste and further make it a healthy and delicious dish.
Flatbread Options for Serving Hummus
Flatbread Options for Serving Hummus:
Flatbreads are a great accompaniment for hummus. They are available in many varieties and can be used in many ways. They can be baked, fried, or grilled, depending on their thickness and texture. When serving hummus with flatbreads, try to choose the ones that complement the flavor of hummus. Below are some commonly used flatbread options that can be used to serve hummus.
Pita bread is the most popular flatbread for hummus dipping across the world. It is a soft and chewy Middle Eastern bread that is perfect for scooping up hummus. Another type is naan bread. Naan bread is a fluffy and warm Indian flatbread with a slightly sweet flavor that goes perfectly with hummus. Sourdough bread is a famous flatbread that has a tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the creaminess and mildness of hummus. Lastly, lavash bread is a crispy Armenian bread that is great for dipping. It is thinner than pita bread and is ideal for those who like a crispy texture with their hummus.
Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes that Go Well with Hummus
Vegetarian and vegan dishes are usually accompanied by hummus because of its creamy texture, rich flavor, and high nutritional value. Hummus is an excellent source of protein for vegetarians and vegans. It is also gluten-free, making it a suitable option for people with gluten allergies or intolerance.
Some vegetarian and vegan dishes that pair well with hummus include roasted vegetables, salads, falafel, stuffed grape leaves, and roasted chickpeas. The creamy texture of hummus blends well with these dishes while providing additional protein and essential nutrients. Adding hummus to vegetarian and vegan meals makes them more filling, flavorful, and satisfying. It also increases the nutrient content of the dish, making it an ideal meal for people who want to eat healthily.
Meat and Seafood Options that Pair Nicely with Hummus
Meat and seafood options are wonderful to complement hummus with their distinct flavors and textures. Grilled chicken, beef, or lamb can be sliced thinly and served alongside the creamy dip. The grilled meats impart a smoky, charred flavor that pairs well with the slightly nutty taste of hummus. For an exotic twist, try serving hummus with kebabs – skewers of grilled meats or seafood combinations like shrimp and scallops.
Salmon, tuna, or tilapia fillets are excellent seafood options to pair with hummus. The fish can be grilled, baked, or pan-seared and then served with hummus on the side. The fresh and light flavor of the fish harmonizes perfectly with the slightly acidic and earthy notes of hummus. To add some crunch to the dish, try serving hummus with crispy salmon skin for a textural contrast. Meat and seafood options are versatile and delicious when paired with hummus and can make for an excellent addition to any meal.
Dessert and Snack Ideas that Incorporate Hummus
Dessert and snack ideas incorporating hummus may sound unconventional, but they are incredibly tasty and healthy! One unique way to incorporate hummus into a dessert is by creating a hummus parfait. Simply layer your favorite flavors of hummus with some fresh fruit, granola, and a drizzle of honey. This easy recipe is perfect for breakfast or a mid-day snack.
If you’re looking for a savory dessert, try adding hummus to your next batch of brownies. The addition of hummus adds a rich and creamy texture to these chocolatey treats. You can also use hummus as a dip for fresh fruit or as a spread on crackers for a quick and easy snack. These ideas show us that hummus isn’t just for savory dishes – it’s a versatile ingredient that can elevate any meal.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, hummus is a versatile and delicious dish that can be paired with a wide range of foods. Whether it’s veggies, pita bread, pretzels, or crackers, there is no shortage of options to choose from. With so many variations of hummus available, you can mix and match different flavors with different foods for a unique and satisfying eating experience.
Moreover, hummus is a healthy option that is high in protein and fiber and packed with essential nutrients. This makes it an ideal food choice for those looking for a healthy snack or a light meal. Adding hummus to your diet can provide numerous health benefits, including improving heart health, reducing inflammation, and promoting weight loss. So, whether you’re looking for something to serve at a party or a quick snack to enjoy at home, hummus is undoubtedly a perfect choice!