The Best Spots For Hummus in NYC & Recipe

Around the Eat Up New York office, we’re huge fans of hummus. We’ll put this popular Middle Eastern spread on just about anything! It’s also great as a dip, dressing, or simply by the spoonful. Lucky for us this obsession is a healthy one. Made with only a few ingredients, including chickpeas, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and tahini, just a tablespoon or two can provide with protein and a number of essential vitamins and minerals. Though it may seem a bit high it fat, it’s mostly heart-healthy unsaturated fat. These statistics definitely make us feel better about our favorite snack addiction!

Nutritionist Peggy Kotsopoulos even claims that since hummus is so rich in protein, it can help fight hunger cravings and balance blood sugar levels. This could help curb excessive snacking. Kotsopoulos also says that the iron content in hummus helps boost your energy, which could make you more motivated to hit the gym. We like the sound of that!

So if you’re trying to find healthier ways to continue to eat your favorite foods, hummus should be your answer. Swap out that cream cheese on your bagel, or that mayo in your favorite summer tuna salad recipe for some hummus for a much healthier alternative. It’s even great as a sandwich spread!

Fun Fact: This plate of hummus was made in 2010 in Beirut and holds the Guinness world record for the biggest plate of hummus to ever exist. It weighed 23,520 pounds.

While hummus is readily available in grocery stores throughout the city, it’s also incredibly easy to make on your own! Here’s my favorite and simplest hummus recipe. Feel free to add your own unique blend of spices and herbs.

The Best Hummus Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained, liquid reserved
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 drops sesame oil, or to taste (optional)

Directions:

Blend garbanzo beans, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt, and sesame oil in a food processor; stream reserved bean liquid into the mixture as it blends until desired consistency is achieved. (I love adding an extra drizzle of olive oil right before eating)

And for when you’re too lazy to pull out your blender, here are my top picks for hummus around this city.

Best Hummus in NYC