Hummus is a creamy Middle Eastern dip or spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic. It’s popular around the world today but has its origins in Middle Eastern and Arabic cuisines. Hummus comes from the Arabic word meaning “chickpeas.” It has a smooth, creamy texture and works well as a dip, spread, or addition to various dishes. But what are the most common and traditional things dipped into hummus?
Pita Bread or Pita Chips
One of the most ubiquitous pairings with hummus is pita bread or pita chips. Pita is a soft, slightly leavened flatbread that is common in Greek, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisines. It consists of wheat flour, water, yeast, and salt that is rolled out and baked into a round, flattened shape. The bread puffs up during baking creating a pocket that can be filled or dipped.
Pita chips are simply whole wheat pita bread that has been cut into triangular wedges and baked until crispy. Their crunchy texture makes them perfect vehicles for scooping up the rich, creamy hummus dip. Hummus and pita bread or chips is a classic combination seen frequently as an appetizer or snack. The neutral flavor of the pita allows the savory, earthy flavors of the hummus to shine. This pairing likely originated in the Middle East and remains a customary way to enjoy hummus throughout the region.
Vegetables
In addition to bread, hummus is traditionally served with fresh raw vegetables for dipping. Some of the most popular veggie pairings include:
Carrots
Hummus pairs deliciously with baby carrots or carrot sticks. The crunchy texture and sweet, mild flavor of carrots complements the creaminess of hummus perfectly. Enjoying hummus with fresh carrots makes for a light, healthy plant-based snack or appetizer.
Cucumbers
Sliced or whole mini cucumbers work very well for scooping up hummus. Like carrots, cucumbers have a refreshing crunchy texture and a mild, slightly sweet taste that allows the flavor of the hummus to take center stage. This veggie pairing likely originated in the Middle East as both ingredients are commonly used in the region’s cuisines.
Celery
Celery sticks are another crunchy, mild tasting vegetable that pairs nicely with creamy hummus. The stringiness of celery allows it to scoop up the hummus well. Celery’s fresh taste and satisfying crunch make it a tasty addition to a hummus veggie dipping platter.
Bell Peppers
Hummus also pairs well with clean, crunchy bell pepper strips. Red, yellow, orange or green peppers all work nicely. The sweet, aromatic flavors of bell peppers balance beautifully with the deep, earthy hummus. Peppers add great color and texture to hummus dipping platters.
Broccoli and Cauliflower Florets
For another neutral flavored, healthy veggie pairing, try raw broccoli and cauliflower florets with hummus. Their mild taste allows the chickpea flavor to dominate, while their crunchy texture provides a satisfying contrast to the silky smooth hummus. Florets are easy to dip and fun to eat with hummus.
Snap Peas
Fresh, crisp snap peas are another lighter choice that pairs well with creamy hummus, providing crunch and natural sweetness. Snap peas have been cultivated in the Middle East since ancient times so dipping them in hummus likely originated hundreds of years ago.
Radishes
For a peppery crunch, try pairing hummus with crisp sliced radishes or whole baby radishes. The sharp, pungent bite of radishes balances the rich creaminess of hummus. Serving hummus with radishes as part of a vegetable platter is an excellent way to showcase Middle Eastern flavors and ingredients.
Pita Chips vs. Veggies: Which is More Traditional?
Both pita bread and fresh vegetables are customary dipping companions for hummus with roots going back centuries in Middle Eastern cuisine. However, if one had to choose the most traditional pairing, vegetables could be considered slightly more authentic based on the following reasons:
Hummus Originated as a Meze
Hummus traces its origins back to the 13th century in Egypt and Levant, where it was traditionally served as part of a meze platter – an assortment of small dishes, dips and salads eaten as appetizers. Meze dishes were typically eaten with flatbreads but also raw seasonal vegetables for dipping. The vegetables were sometimes even used to scoop up the hummus directly in lieu of utensils.
Abundance of Fresh Vegetables
The Middle East has a warm, sunny climate well-suited to growing a variety of fresh vegetables which were more abundant and accessible on a daily basis than baked breads. Dipping fresh vegetable crudités into hummus was likely a daily habit before pita bread became widespread.
Traditional Way of Serving
Given its origins as a meze, hummus was traditionally presented as part of a communal platter with an array of vegetable crudités surrounding a bowl of hummus in the center for sharing. The vegetables were naturally used to scoop up the hummus during the meal.
Vegetables Require Less Preparation
Chopping up fresh vegetable sticks and pieces requires minimal preparation compared to kneading, proofing and baking pita bread. The simplicity and ease of grabbing vegetables makes them a natural choice.
Enhances Flavor Complexity
Raw veggies add more texture, crispness and flavor contrast that complements the creaminess of hummus. The combination highlights the flavors of both the hummus and the vegetables beautifully.
So in summary, fresh raw vegetables likely preceded and inspired pita pairings as the original, customary dippers used with hummus in ancient Middle Eastern culture. However, pita remains an enormously popular vehicle for hummus today. So while vegetables may be a tad more traditional, both options are thoughtful ways to enjoy hummus authentically.
Less Common But Notable Paired Foods
While pita and raw vegetables are the most ubiquitous, several other foods are also traditionally served alongside hummus, especially in Middle Eastern cultures. Some other notable pairings include:
Ful
Ful is a paste made from fava beans that is incredibly common in Egypt. Ful and hummus are often served together, sometimes swirled together on one plate or with ful dolloped on top of hummus. Both dips get scooped up with pita.
Baba Ghanoush
Baba ghanoush is a smoky, creamy eggplant dip that pairs excellently with hummus. They can be served swirled together or side-by-side with bread or vegetables. Baba ghanoush and hummus are classic Middle Eastern meze partners.
Labneh
Labneh is a thick, creamy strained yogurt that complements hummus nicely, often served drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with za’atar spice. Labneh makes a cooling, tart counterpoint to hummus.
Pickled Vegetables
Pickled items like turnips, olives, peppers and cabbage often accompany hummus as part of meze platters. Their tanginess contrasts the earthiness of hummus.
Lemon Wedges
Wedges of fresh lemon are common on hummus plates. Their bright acidity is perfect for squeezing over hummus before dipping.
Za’atar
Za’atar is a Middle Eastern dried herb blend that hummus is traditionally sprinkled with. The wild thyme, sesame seed and savory flavor takes hummus to the next level.
Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is sometimes served tableside with hummus for drizzling over the top just before enjoying. Olive oil and hummus are kitchen staples throughout the Levant region.
So in addition to pita and veggies, incorporating some of these other traditional Middle Eastern flavors can make your hummus experience even more authentic.
Most Common Hummus Accompaniments in America
While hummus originated in the Middle East, it has become popular worldwide, including across North America. Some of the most common hummus pairings enjoyed in the Americas include:
Tortilla Chips
Because pita bread is less ubiquitous here, crispy corn or flour tortilla chips have become one of the most popular dippers served with hummus in the Americas.
Crackers
Whole grain crackers like Triscuits, Wheat Thins and Glutino make great vehicles for hummus in North America in lieu of traditional pita bread.
Breadsticks
Crunchy breadsticks are another common substitute for pita when dipping into hummus in America. Sourdough breadsticks in particular pair nicely.
Pretzels
Twisty hard pretzels and pretzel crisps add salty crunch when scooping up creamy hummus.
Bell Peppers and Carrots
While the vegetable crudite options get expanded in North America, bell peppers and carrots remain popular choices alongside hummus.
Broccoli and Cauliflower
Broccoli and cauliflower florets are other beloved veggies for dipping in hummus in the Americas. Their neutral flavor allows the chickpea tastes to shine.
Celery
Celery sticks remain popular crunchy dippers for pairing with hummus in the U.S.
So while traditional pita and Middle Eastern vegetable pairings still abound, the universality of hummus has led to creative adaptations using more widely available crackers, breads and vegetables in North America. No matter what vehicle you use, hummus makes for a healthy, satisfying plant-based snack or appetizer any time of day.
What Type of Hummus is Best for Dipping?
While all hummus is highly dip-able by nature, certain types lend themselves especially well to pairing with breads, chips and fresh vegetables.
Some factors that make hummus ideal for dipping include:
Smooth, Creamy Texture
The creamier the hummus consistency, the easier it will be to scoop and cling nicely to your chosen dipper. Very smooth, whipped hummus is best. Leave it a little thicker vs watery.
Neutral, Balanced Flavor
All hummus has the earthy flavor of chickpeas as its base. However, classic hummus that sticks closer to traditional Middle Eastern flavor profiles balances the chickpeas with mild lemon and tahini flavors that complement rather than overwhelm the chickpeas. This allows whatever you’re dipping to shine.
Good Olive Oil Quality
Look for hummus made with fresh, high quality extra virgin olive oil. This contributes fruitiness, depth and roundness without heavy bitterness that enhances the dipping experience.
Minimal Mix-Ins
Hummus overloaded with too many other mix-ins like heavy spices, vegetables or legumes tends to compete with the dippers rather than compliment them. Seek plain or classic flavors.
Room Temperature
Ice cold hummus straight from the fridge clings less and can shock your taste buds. Allow refrigerated hummus to come closer to room temp before serving for ideal dipping texture and flavor.
Following these tips when selecting your hummus will ensure dipping satisfaction for any accompaniments you choose, from crispy pita chips to fresh raw vegetables.
Nutrition Facts: Vegetables vs. Pita Chips with Hummus
Hummus is highly nutritious on its own, being made from protein and fiber-rich chickpeas blended with heart healthy olive oil and antioxidant-rich tahini (sesame seed paste). However, what you pair with your hummus can impact its nutrition profile. Here’s how vegetables and pita chips compare:
Calories
On average, hummus contains around 50 calories per 2 tablespoon serving. For dipping accompaniments:
– 1 ounce of pita chips or crackers ranges from 100-130 calories
– 1 cup of raw veggie sticks or slices ranges from 15-50 calories
Winner: vegetables
Fiber
– 1 ounce of pita chips has 1-3g fiber
– 1 cup raw vegetables has 2-4g fiber
Winner: vegetables
Vitamins and Minerals
– Most pita chips have little to no vitamins unless made with whole grains
– Vegetables are packed with vitamins A, C, K plus antioxidants
Winner: vegetables
Sodium
– 1 ounce pita chips has 100-250mg sodium
– 1 cup raw vegetables has 20-50mg sodium
Winner: vegetables
So while pita chips taste great with hummus, sticking with fresh veggie dippers packs way more nutrition punch and makes your hummus snack or appetizer much healthier overall.
Making Homemade Baked Pita Chips
Want to enjoy hummus with pita chips but also control the ingredients? Making them at home is simple:
Ingredients
– 4 whole wheat pita bread rounds
– 1-2 tbsp olive oil
– 1⁄4 tsp sea salt
– 1⁄2 tsp of your desired seasoning (za’atar, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, etc.)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Brush each pita on both sides lightly with olive oil.
3. Stack pitas and slice into 6 wedges each.
4. Spread wedges on a baking sheet in single layer.
5. Sprinkle wedges evenly with salt and other seasoning if desired.
6. Bake for 5-7 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
7. Serve alongside hummus immediately or store in airtight container once cooled.
With homemade baked pita chips, you can control the quality of ingredients while still enjoying the classic pairing of crispy pita and creamy hummus. Adjust seasoning to complement whichever hummus flavor you prefer.
Conclusion
Hummus makes the perfect basis for a fresh, flavorful plant-based appetizer or snack no matter what you dip in it. While pita and vegetable crudités remain the most iconic and customary hummus dipping vehicles, feel free to get creative with crackers, breads and seasonal produce too. Just aim for some crunchy, savory contrast to the luscious hummus. Whatever hummus accompaniments you choose, this Middle Eastern spread is sure to make your snacks more interesting and nutritious.