4 Easy Ways to Enjoy Houmus
Houmus is increasing its popularity as a choice for people who are interested in maintaining good health. Unlike other similar products, Houmus is low in salt and saturated fat, making it especially good for you if you’re concerned about the development of cardiovascular disease.
About Houmus
While you may have heard the word “houmus” before, you might not know exactly what it is. Houmus is a traditional Middle Eastern dipping sauce that contains chick peas, olive oil and spices. These ingredients are mixed together to form Houmus. Houmus is not only delicious, but also extremely healthy. This is in part due to the fact that chick peas contains high amounts of fiber, which helps in weight loss and may actually treat and prevent some types of cancer. In addition, the olive oil found in Houmus is unsaturated, meaning that it can help lower the occurrence of heart disease and stroke. Here are several easy ways to enjoy Houmus:
1. As a Dipping Sauce for Pitta Bread
One of the most popular ways that Houmus is traditionally served is as a dipping sauce for pitta bread. Typically, when people are craving a salty snack such as chips, they will go to the old standby of potato chips with dip. This combination can be extremely bad for your health. Potato chip dips are typically loaded with high amounts of sodium, which not only leads to water retention, leaving you feeling fat and bloated, but can also contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. Swapping this choice out with Houmus and pitta bread will give you the same savory taste with a much lower sodium intake.
2. As a Spread for Bread
Another great way that houmus can be used is as a replacement for butter. Butter is loaded with salt and contains high amounts of saturated fat, which research has found to be linked to the development of cardiovascular disease, stroke and even some types of cancer. In contrast, Houmus can actually work in the treatment and prevention of some of these conditions.
3. As a Sauce for Meat
Though this is a more nontraditional use for Houmus, it can also be used as a sauce for meat, especially if you are planning a special Mediterranean-themed dinner. Try adding a small amount of extra virgin olive oil to the Houmus, and mixing until thoroughly combined. Ideally, the sauce should be the texture of yogurt. Spoon the Houmus over raw chicken or fish, and bake at a low temperature until cooked. Use a baster to continue soaking the meat with Houmus as it cooks. Be sure to serve a small amount of houmus on the side during dinner.
4. As a Dip for Vegetables
Try using Houmus as a dip for vegetables instead of more traditional cream-based dips. Houmus has a relatively neutral flavor, and because of this can be used with almost any vegetable. For best results, use fresh vegetables that have not been flavored with any additional seasonings.
