Hummus may have been presented as a middle-class spread when it first arrived on British soil back in the 80s, but today, the staple has fans across the board.
The universally loved dip/ spread/ food started life as many popular dishes, like pizza, do - as a food of the working classes.
Where does hummus come from?
It was a staple for ancient Middle Eastern peasants with food historians pinning Syria as the place most likely to have originated the dish. Trade routes and a Moorish empire would have brought humble hummus towards the Mediterranean where a version exists in many countries, from Egypt, Turkey and Israel to Morocco at the gateway of the Atlantic.
Houmous or hummus: how do you spell it?
There are multiple ways to spell it, but in England, the most common version is hummus, derived from Arabic. Turkey sometimes uses humus, while houmous is another way you'll see it written.
For pronunciation, the emphasis should be front-loaded: that is HOUM-uhs. Not who-mouse, not hum-murse.
Is hummus healthy?
Middle Eastern dishes tend to be meat-heavy but hummus is not only good for vegetarians - the original version is vegan to boot. The chickpeas offer a healthy hit of fibre while the sesame seeds in tahini and olive oil put mono-unsaturated fats on your plate, useful for a healthy heart.
How to make hummus at home
Made from a finely blitzed blend of chickpeas and sesame seeds, and enriched with olive oil, squeezes of lemon, and garlic, hummus is easy to whip up at home with a blender. The added benefit - aside from knowing exactly what's in it - is that you can finish it however you like. Keep it simple with a drizzle of oil, pesto or pomegranate seeds or spreading it over a large platter and add beef brisket, falafel or roasted veggies finished with a dusting of sumac.
It may be easy to make but not everyone has the time; especially when the urge strikes. Grocers across the UK line fridges with own-brand versions and options from big brands; we are living in hummus’ golden age.
Wondering which is the best? We’ve tried more than our fair share in the name of journalism to bring you a list of the ones you have to try.
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Ramona's Heavenly Houmous Jalapeno 500g
There are so many things to love about Ramona's hummus: the luscious flavour, the ping of jalapeño spice and the fact that it comes in a 500g yoghurt-like tub, making it perfect for parties or dipping into over an entire weekend.
Made in Hertford, there's also a red pepper version and a plain one if you're dealing with diners who can't handle spice.
Jalapeño is our forever favourite, with pickled versions of the chilli scattered on top for an extra hit of fire. It may not be traditionally Arab - this is much thicker - but it is satisfying and delicious, which frankly, is all we ever ask for in our dips.
Buy now £3.65, Amazon
Sabra Houmous Extra
Made using a traditional Middle Eastern recipe, Sabra's houmous is packed with decadent flavour from veggies, pulses and of course, tahini, a paste made from sesame seeds. There's plenty of texture to chomp down on here too, with a topping made with pine nuts and a drizzle of olive oil while whole chickpeas are waiting at the base for depth of flavour at every level.
Buy now £2.65, Waitrose
Odysea Houmous
Can you ever have too much hummus? For those who panic at the idea of a kitchen cupboard without one, this bundle provides relief - and delicious flavour to boot. The six-pack of Odysea's Mediterranean dip comes in 265g glass jars with a long best-before date that doesn't need to be stored in the fridge until it is opened (after which you’ll have around five days to guzzle it).
The mix hums with the flavour of cumin riding on a smooth texture that feels like silk on the tongue. Pep it up with antipasti layered on top for an easy dish to pair with drinks.
Buy now £19.10, Amazon
Waitrose Moroccan Style Houmous
Hummus can be found across the Med and Middle East thanks to its Moorish legacy with each region plating up a version. Waitrose is largely credited with bringing hummus to British audiences in the 1980s, and this is its take on Moroccan hummus.
Chickpeas are blended with sesame seed paste and spices found in the North African country's cuisine. The end result is a familiar flavour spiked with warming spices. Gorgeous.
Buy now £1.75, Waitrose
Natoora Hummus with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Natoora whizzes its chickpeas with 100 per cent unblended, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil giving it a smooth, creamy texture that's made for pairing with pita chips or crudites.
Buy now £3.95, Ocado
ASDA Masala Houmous
Hummus pairs beautifully with popadoms, naan bread and tandoori chicken, so it was only a matter of time before Asda put Indian cuisine and the dip together. A dollop of mango chutney is what makes this fusion hummus shine; alongside a masala spice blend, it's a riot of flavours that you'll love.
Buy now £1.30, ASDA
ChicP Truffle hummus
The velvety smooth base of hummus is the perfect carrier of flavours, which is why it can be found with myriad toppings, from pesto to beetroot. If you're after something indulgent, prepare to have your socks blown off by ChicP's truffle hummus. The prized fungi and chickpea are clearly gourmet BFFs in this dip which works just as well spread over toast or a bagel sarnie as it does as an ingredient in pasta sauce.
Buy now £2.75, Ocado
Daylesford Organic Kalamata Olive Houmous
Planning a posh picnic? You'll need elevated versions of staples, and for hummus, Daylesford has just the pot. Its version is made with Greek olives from the Kalamata region adding a peppery note to the chickpea dip. Try it with sliced cured meat, feta cheese and torn chunks of sourdough.
Buy now £4.30, Ocado
Verdict
Ramona's may not be a traditional Arabic hummus, but all is forgiven for the quantity and flavour every tub delivers. If you're looking for something more Middle Eastern, Sabra never disappoints.
