Hummus – All You Need to Know | Instacart’s Guide to Groceries

What is hummus?

Hummus is a Middle Eastern food. It’s a rich, creamy dip with a garlicky taste and a melt-in-your-mouth consistency similar to mayonnaise or other types of smooth dips and spreads.

Chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans, are the main ingredient in hummus. It also often contains lemon juice, garlic, spices, and tahini – a paste made from ground sesame seeds. Hummus is usually served with fresh pita bread, a tomato, cucumber, onion, salad, and falafel. 

Where did hummus originate from?

There is some debate over the origins of hummus. Many countries claim it as their own. However, it likely originated in ancient Egypt in the 13^th century. The word “hummus” actually means “chickpea” in Arabic.

Greek and Arabic foods are incredibly similar, and many dishes “crossed over” during various historical periods. This may explain some of the confusion.

What is the nutritional value of hummus?

Not only is hummus delicious, but it’s also packed with nutritional value. First, it’s an excellent source of plant-based protein, making it very popular among vegetarians and vegans. Hummus also contains folate, iron, phosphorus, and B vitamins, as well as antioxidants. In addition, it’s high in fiber and has lots of heart-healthy fats.

Hummus is also naturally nut, gluten, and dairy-free. This makes it a good option for those who have food allergies. To make hummus an even healthier snack, serve it as a dip with fresh produce like raw broccoli, snap peas, or bell pepper slices.

How is hummus made?

Hummus is relatively easy to make. In fact, you can do it at home in about five minutes. Open and rinse a few cans of chickpeas and toss them in the food processor. Then, add in tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Puree it, add a swirl of olive oil on top, then sprinkle it with paprika, and it’s ready to go!

When is hummus in season?

Since hummus is typically made from canned ingredients, you don’t have to worry about it being “in season.” You can find store-bought hummus year-round in the deli section of the grocery store. If you don’t see it, look up “hummus near me,” and you should be able to find it locally with no problem.

What should you look for when buying hummus?

There are many different types of premade hummus on the market today. Flavored hummus is a popular option that includes classic, lemon, roasted pine nut, caramelized onion, and more.

If you’re not sure what type of hummus is your favorite, you may need to try a few different brands. If health is important to you, read the labels and look for a hummus that is high in fiber and low in sodium. Hummus that contains heart-healthy oils like avocado or olive oil is also ideal.

If you’re thinking about having your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for hummus via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or provide specific instructions on how to choose the best products.

How to store hummus

To keep your hummus fresh for as long as possible, store it in the refrigerator after every use. Keeping it in a tightly closed container will also help keep moisture and other contaminants out of the product.

Homemade hummus will typically last for about a week if it’s stored properly. When using store-bought hummus, pay attention to the expiration date on the package. It may still be good four to six days after the expiration date, but you’ll want to smell it before you eat it to make sure it’s still good.

How to tell if hummus is bad

If you think your hummus might have gone bad, start with a sniff test. Spoiled hummus will usually have a distinctly sour smell. If it smells bad, it will also taste bad, so don’t even bother tasting it – throw it away. Likewise, if your hummus has mold in it, that’s another telltale sign that it’s been in the refrigerator for too long and needs to be tossed out.

What can you substitute for hummus?

If you can’t find hummus at your local grocery store or you’re looking for a lower-carb option, you’ll be glad to know there are many great substitutes. Greek yogurt mixed with finely chopped garlic and a drizzle of olive oil is an excellent option. If you want it to taste even more like hummus, add a large scoop of tahini to the mixture as well. You can also mix mayonnaise with garlic in a pinch or use a 50/50 blend of mayo and Greek yogurt with a bit of garlic.

There are also other premade dips and spreads that can make a great substitute. For example, Baba Ghannouj is very similar; it’s just made with eggplant instead of chickpeas. You may also be able to find “hummus” made of black beans, broccoli, or other vegetables. 

If you really have your heart set on traditional hummus, think about making it yourself. You can add the ingredients to your shopping list, then puree them all together. It only takes a few minutes and will be just as good as store-bought – without all the sodium and preservatives.

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