If you enjoy Mediterranean food, you’ve likely experienced the joy that comes from eating hummus. This crowd favorite is featured on nearly 75% of Mediterranean menus but only makes its way onto 14% of menus across America.
Whether you’re a fan of hummus already or you’re just about to dip into Mediterranean cuisine for the first time, here are five fun facts you should know about this nutritious dish.
1. It’s made from chickpeas
We’ll start with a well-known fact: hummus primarily consists of chickpeas. Along with these nutrient-packed veggies, hummus is made with sesame paste, lemon juice, and garlic. However, other seasonings and toppings can be added for flavor. Hummus will also vary slightly depending on where you eat it. After all, hummus is eaten throughout the globe and prepared in a myriad of different ways.
2. It originated in the Middle East
Though it’s a staple throughout countries along the Mediterranean coastline, this chickpea-based dish was actually invented in the Middle East, hundreds of years ago. In fact, the earliest mention of hummus was found in 13th century Egypt. However, a number of Mediterranean nations have fought over who can claim the title of hummus’s land of origin.
3. Wars have been fought over the best hummus
That’s right: the hummus wars are a real thing. Though claims to fame have always been disputed among Mediterranean countries, Lebanon and Israel finally duked it out in the kitchen in 2010 when they fought over who could make the largest hummus dish.
The verdict? Lebanon created a 22,000-pound dish, more than double the 9,000-pound dish that Israel succeeded in creating. It became a world record that hasn’t been beaten to this day.
4. Hummus is an aphrodisiac
The next time you visit your favorite falafel restaurant, you might want to bring a date along with you. Hummus is a natural aphrodisiac thanks to all of its nutrients, which include iron, magnesium, and potassium. This addition is great for Mediterranean salads in-house, but you might want to opt for Mediterranean take out dishes instead.
5. You can put hummus on nearly everything
Hummus is a staple in any falafel restaurant thanks to its versatility. It can spice up any pita, but can also be incorporated into salads, chips, vegetables, and more. When you’re looking for healthy Mediterranean food, think about getting hummus on the side.
Are you looking for the best Mediterranean food Houston has to offer? Try Aladdin’s the next time you crave the best Falafel restaurant around.
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