People that love hummus are not necessarily fans of plain hummus because of the lack of flavor. It is a very healthy food that can be used in a number of creative culinary ways, but when served plain it is about as flavorful as cardboard pulp. However, plain store-bought hummus is more affordable than varieties that have been jazzed up with spices and other add-ins. Instead of eating plain hummus that is less than palatable, try the following easy ways to add flavor. They can be used in many recipes that call for hummus or when enjoying plain chips, thick crusty slices of bread, crackers, or a variety of fresh veggies.
Begin with Sea Salt
The natural flavor of plain hummus can be greatly enhanced with sea salt. Instead of mixing store-bought hummus with ordinary table salt, add a pinch or two of sea salt. When added alone or with one or more of the following additions, sea salt can transform plain hummus into a flavorful part of a main dish meal or appetizer.
Add Flavor with Cumin
Cumin adds a tremendous amount of flavor to chili and other dishes with southwestern flair. Try stirring in a little cumin next time plain hummus is on the menu. Along with a little sea salt, cumin can turn ordinary crackers or chips into taste-tempting unique appetizers. Plain hummus mixed with cumin, sea salt, a splash of lime juice, and a little olive oil can be substituted for refried beans in many southwestern dishes.
Try Roasted Chopped Garlic to Add More Flavor
Anyone that loves hummus and the flavor of garlic will enjoy these favorite flavors together. Stir freshly roasted chopped garlic into mashed chickpeas that have been lightly enhanced with sea salt. It will taste great, especially when spread onto thick slices of French bread slathered with genuine butter.
Add Fresh Cilantro and Chopped Green Chilies
Do you enjoy your hummus a little chunky rather than smooth? Drain approximately four ounces of chopped green chilies, and add them to sixteen ounces of plain mashed chickpeas. Stir in a dash of sea salt and fresh chopped cilantro for added flavor and an extra splash of color.
Stir in a Little Hot Sauce to Add More Flavor
It is amazing how much flavor a few dashes of hot sauce can add to ordinary spread or dip, and it is the ideal addition to plain store-bought hummus. Add a dash of a favorite variety of hot sauce to plain hummus along with sea salt and any of the aforementioned ingredients for a unique flavor combination. Create an enticing layered dip with hot and spicy hummus, sliced black olives, salsa, guacamole, and cheddar cheese. Top the dip with a dollop of sour cream sprinkled with chopped fresh cilantro.
Add a Condiment Containing Horseradish
Horseradish sauce is available in a variety of flavors from raspberry to smoke, and it can be used to add flavor to plain store-bought hummus. Stir in horseradish sauce until the hummus reaches the desired consistency and flavor intensity. It can be used as a deliciously different sandwich spread or as a chip dip unlike any other.
Consider the herbs, spices, and flavors you prefer, and use them to jazz up plain store-bought hummus. Not only will the additions create more flavor, but they can also make it go a lot further. The options for serving mashed chickpeas are as endless as the types of food they enhance.
