Why you should include hummus in your diet

Hummus is not only a delicious snack, but also a real storehouse of nutrients. It contains chickpeas and tahini, making it a rich source of plant-based protein. Interestingly, one serving of hummus contains about 7.9 grams of protein, which is very beneficial for those who do not consume animal products.

What else is useful for hummus?

In addition to protein, hummus has other nutrients. For example, it contains iron, folic acid, phosphorus and B vitamins. These components are especially important for vegetarians and vegans, as they may be deficient in these nutrients due to their diet.

Chronic inflammation is a serious problem that can lead to various diseases. However, hummus can help combat this condition. Olive oil, which is one of the ingredients in hummus, contains powerful antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the sesame seeds in tahini also help reduce inflammation in the body.

Another benefit of hummus is its high fiber content. Just 100 grams of this snack contains about six grams of fiber, which helps improve the functioning of the digestive system. In addition, hummus can satisfy a significant portion of your daily fiber needs, which is especially important for maintaining the health of women and men.

How to make hummus at home

Hummus is a delicious dish that you can make at home with minimal effort. If you want to enjoy the true taste of hummus, it is important to follow a few cooking secrets.

The first step is to select good quality chickpeas. It is recommended to soak the chickpeas in water the night before to gently cook them. When the chickpeas are ready, be sure to save some of the cooking water. This broth will be one of the secret ingredients that will give hummus the desired consistency and rich taste, because the chickpeas release their aroma and taste into the broth.

To give hummus a smoother texture, it is recommended to remove the skins from the boiled chickpeas. This can be done by soaking the chickpeas in water or placing the chickpeas between two kitchen towels and rubbing them together. After this, the chickpeas can be placed in a blender.

One of the important secrets to the taste of hummus is the use of double-roasted tahini. Tahini is a sesame paste that is added to hummus to add a richer, deeper flavor. You can find tahini in stores or make your own by toasting sesame seeds until golden brown and blending them with a little olive oil.

Once you've added the tahini to the blender with the chickpeas, you can experiment with other ingredients to give your hummus a unique flavor. Some people prefer to add fresh garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin or paprika. The choice depends on your preferences and the desired taste of hummus.

Blend all ingredients in a blender until the hummus is smooth and homogeneous. If the consistency seems too thick, you can add the reserved chickpea cooking water to thin the hummus to your desired texture.

Prepared hummus can be served with a variety of snacks such as fresh vegetables, toast or pita bread. Hummus can also be used as a salad dressing or added to sandwiches for a richer flavor.