What is hummus?

Hummus is a paste, usually used as a dip, made from ground garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas. Traditional hummus combines garbanzo beans with things such as spices, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic.

Hummus can be prepared in a number of different ways with many different ingredients. It can be mixed with ingredients such as bacon, spinach, artichokes or sun-dried tomatoes.

The dish has existed since the 13th century and is often combined with tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds. Today, hummus is enjoyed as a spread on sandwiches in place of mayonnaise or as a dip for fresh-cut vegetables.