International Hummus Day (May 13) is a great opportunity to salute a food that’s considered as Israeli as it can get. As this special occasion approaches and will be marked worldwide, Bet Aful in the south presented several special hummus dishes like you’ve never had before!
There it is, a star on every table, and even if you taste it in the most far-flung place on earth, it’ll bring you right back to home and feeling Israeli. So we contacted the Bet Aful chain and asked them if they could come up with some hummus dishes you’re probably not familiar with. Hummuspirulina – heard about that one? Indian hummus? All the details below!
- Hummus comes from the Arabic word ‘khoomootz.’
- Some say the source of hummus is from ancient Egypt. On the other hand, some Muslims reckon it was Salah a-Din who invented hummus in the form it’s served these days.
- Currently the primary commercial producers of hummus are India, Pakistan, Turkey, Ethiopia and Mexico. There are different species and types, and are served whole, as spreads, or in other forms such as crushed and fried as traditional falafel balls.
- Contrary to common opinion, fresh chick peas are not fattening at all. This legume contains very little fat, but a good amount of protein and carbohydrate.
Photo: Nir Shemol
Bet Aful, the well-known hummus restaurant, was established in 1952 when our grandparents, Shmuel and Allegra Ashkenazi, immigrated to Israel and opened their business in a small shed in Beer Sheva. They served delicious food, prepared with love, and based on long-time family recipes brought with them from their home in Egypt. As the years went by, the small business grew into a full scale restaurant. Grandma and Grandpa’s recipes were handed down from one generation to the next and remain a secret to this day. Now the youngest generation has expanded the range by adding new flavors to the good old recipes.
Hummuspirulina
This is the traditional hummus dish with the addition of Spirulina, one of the most popular superfoods in the world. It contains a massive amount of protein, vitamins and minerals and other components vital for our bodies. On Internal Hummus Day we’ll be offering a limited amount of this special dish. Integrating chick peas and leafy greens makes the hummus even healthier, and very colorful! The perfect quantity, and the traditional spices, make sure this dish still offers the familiar and much loved flavor.
Hummuspirulina | Photo: Nir Shemol
Orange Hummus: Indian Style
Sometimes it seems as though every chick pea was born in the Indian kitchen: their integration of spices and hummus is perfectly harmonized. On International Hummus Day in India, we’ll be offering Indian style hummus that also blends in spices such as curry.
Indian Hummus | Photo: Nir Shemol
Hummuselek
‘Selek’, Hebrew for beets, makes a perfect upgrade for a naturally lightly sweet hummus dish. It’s as delicious as it’s healthy, and the color is a real charm.
Hummuselek | Photo: Nir Shemol
And last but not least, the most veteran option of all: Hummus Ful
Hummus Ful hardly needs introduction. It’s Bet Aful’s most popular and beloved dish. Hummus integrated with Egyptian ful (broad beans), tehina, egg, olive oil, chopped parsley and Bet Aful’s special sauce. Every serving is an authentic culinary celebration!
So whether you swirl or swipe your pita in hummus, or want it red or green, with extras or special spices, that’s for you to decide. One thing’s for sure: you’ll be hooked!
Special hummus dishes | Photo: Nir Shemol
