Hummus – A Taste of the Middle East

In this episode of Flavors of Time, we explore the ancient, flavorful journey of hummus—a creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic that has become a cultural icon across the Middle East and the globe. The episode traces hummus’s debated origins, from 13th-century Cairo recipes to modern-day kitchens, and examines its deeper role as a dish of hospitality, pride, and even political symbolism. We also uncover the “Hummus Wars” between countries vying for cultural ownership, and follow hummus’s transformation into a global favorite, now found in fusion cuisine and supermarkets worldwide. At its heart, hummus remains a humble dish—deeply personal, beautifully simple, and rich with meaning.