Technically, the middle of a bowl of hummus could contain any of its ingredients, but the core components of hummus are: cooked and mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
While the literal center of a hummus bowl contains hummus, a deeper understanding requires considering the fundamental ingredients that constitute this popular Middle Eastern dip.
- Chickpeas: The base of hummus, providing its creamy texture and nutty flavor. They are cooked until soft and then mashed or blended.
- Tahini: A paste made from ground sesame seeds, adding richness and a distinctive nutty taste.
- Lemon Juice: Provides acidity, brightness, and balances the richness of the tahini.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent and savory flavor.
Often, additional ingredients such as olive oil, salt, and spices (like cumin or paprika) are incorporated. Furthermore, hummus is often topped with olive oil, paprika, whole chickpeas, parsley, or other garnishes.
Therefore, when you delve into the middle of hummus, you'll fundamentally find a blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, along with potentially olive oil, salt, and various spices.
