Greek Hummus:Ancient History Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Did the ancient Greeks eat hummus? ›

Hummus is supposed to date back to the ancient Egyptians, although many cultures declare it is theirs. It is most likely the Greeks discovered hummus while trading with the Egyptians. The Greeks would have eaten hummus with bread, but it's also wonderful with veggies and crackers.

hummus, paste originating in the Middle East that is traditionally made of pureed or mashed cooked chickpeas mixed with tahini—a toasted sesame condiment—and diced garlic, lemon juice, and salt.

What is the Greek equivalent to Middle Eastern hummus? Fava dip, made from fava beans, is a very similar dip to hummus that originates from from the island of Santorini, Greece.

Hummus is an ancient food, made with ingredients that date back to the dawn of civilization. The oldest recipe for hummus that anyone has ever found was in Egypt. From Egypt, it spread across the Mediterranean and throughout the Middle East. The main ingredient in hummus is chickpeas (also known as "garbanzo beans").

Chickpeas have been a part of the Mediterranean diet for centuries, they are even mentioned in Bible. Hummus is mentioned in the Book of Ruth: “Come hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the hometz.” So it is very likely that Jesus would have eaten hummus although there is no evidence.

Hummus is a common part of everyday meals in Israel. It is made from ingredients that, following Kashrut (Jewish dietary laws), can be combined with both meat and dairy meals. Chickpea dishes have long been part of the cuisine of Jews who lived in the Middle East and Northern Africa.

According to Solomonov, “the secret to great Israeli-style hummus is an obscene amount of tahini.” Unlike Greek-style hummus which is heavy on garlic and lemon, Israeli hummus is all about the marriage of chickpeas and tahini.

That being said, though, based on historical information, hummus likely originated from ancient Egypt. According to several historical sources, the earliest mention of hummus dates back to Egypt in the 13th century. Chickpeas were and are abundant in the Middle East and are still commonly eaten.

Most everyone knows hummus. It's the quintessential Middle Eastern dip made by blending chickpeas with tahini, garlic, and citrus. I grew up on it, and I'm convinced that this simple beige dip is some of the best stuff on earth! Creamy, satisfying and packed with plant-based protein.

Israeli hummus is revered for its smooth and creamy consistency, often achieved by a generous addition of tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds. Tahini adds a rich, nutty flavor that perfectly balances the earthy taste of chickpeas.

Did ancient Romans eat hummus? ›

Egyptians claim that hummus is their invention, and on the other hand, the Greeks and Romans made various dishes out of it.

From their beginnings as a foodstuff in Syria and Turkey, the plant spread other parts of the Middle East (Israel, Jordan), the Mediterranean (Egypt, North Africa) and to India. Both the Ancient Greeks and Romans ate them.

Greek Hummus Dipping Platter

Simply spread a couple containers of Original Recipe hummus (or Black Garlic, if you're adventurous) on a serving dish, then top with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, red onion, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, herbs, a squeeze of lemon, and a drizzle of olive oil!

Despite its worldwide popularity, hummus retains its status as a cherished culinary treasure deeply intertwined with Middle Eastern and Eastern Mediterranean food traditions, symbolizing a rich history of trade, migration, and cultural interchange.

This iconic chickpea dip is eaten all over the world and is a staple across North Africa, the Middle East and the Mediterranean.

Lentils and chickpeas are the most frequently mentioned legumes in classical literature. Bitter vetch – This plant was present in Greece from at least 8000 BCE, and was occasionally eaten in Classical times.

However, while hummus is essential to Greek food, its origins are a bit murkier than you might suppose. Especially as hummus has become a health-food staple, popular worldwide for its bountiful nutritional profile and array of mouth-watering flavors, its image has evolved.

Some opted for a light afternoon snack (“hesperisma”) of bread and olives and dried fruits. Salted sardines and anchovies were regular fare for the ancient Greeks. Salted sardines and anchovies were regular fare for the ancient Greeks.