Keep Your Eye On The Salt For That Perfect Hummus Recipe
When it comes to hummus, there are tons of different variations and styles we have tried, hated, and loved. We know the kind we like, either a spicy hummus from our local supermarket or a garlicky, delicious spread from our favorite restaurant. But when it comes to making the Middle Eastern dip in your own kitchen, some recipes can be unclear about the best ways to bring out all the flavors of the ingredients.
The spread, which is low in fat, high in protein, and great for the immune and digestive system, has key ingredients of chickpeas and tahini (via For the Love of Hummus). If you don't know, tahini is ground sesame seeds turned into a thick paste, like sesame seed butter. It adds to the nuttiness the chickpeas already have (via Spruce Eats). It's important that those two pieces are included in the overall recipe or it doesn't count as a classic hummus. Hummus literally means "chickpea" in Arabic, so obviously those suckers have to be in there. But there's another ingredient that is key to getting the perfect hummus and although simple, it is important to keep an eye on it.
Watch your seasoning
When it comes to getting the most out of your homemade hummus, it's important to keep an eye on your salt. Salt is a natural seasoning that enhances the flavors of any recipe. Like most simple recipes, adding just a little salt can make it the best hummus you've ever had (via Allrecipes). But adding too much can overpower your final product since salt has a very acquired taste. The hummus risks losing the flavor of the tahini and garlic. All in all, you want to taste the nutty bean flavor of the chickpeas whipped together with the spiciness of the garlic and the sweetness coming from the tahini.
Once you have down how much salt to add to your dip, the rest of the recipe is a breeze. There are of course some other tips and tricks to be sure it's the best hummus you've ever made. It's important you don't skip steps when making hummus, like peeling the chickpeas and topping it off with some olive oil. So go out and try to make your own hummus. Whether it be a classic lemon hummus recipe or an avocado hummus recipe, just remember to be diligent with the salt.