IBS Food: What Can You Do with Hummus?
Hummus: What is it?
Hummus is a food of Near Eastern origin that is traditionally used in a filling “sandwich” of pita bread, falafel balls, shredded lettuce and perhaps other vegetables. Hummus has the function of holding all these elements together, or at least flavoring them. The thicker the hummus the more it holds together; the thinner the hummus, the more it flavors–and drips.
It is made of mashed or ground chickpeas (=garbanzo beans), often with ground sesame seeds (tahini); in general, hummus serves as a dip for pita bread or vegetables. It may contain lemon juice or garlic flavoring, so reading labels is advised.
Where to find it?
The best hummus I have had recently came from a small neighborhood Near Eastern store. In the very varied neighborhood in which I live, hummus can be found in the two big grocery stores, also. I would think that Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods chains would carry it. It comes in cans and in dip containers. You could also find it in Hispanic-themed groceries, or make it yourself from canned garbanzo beans (=chickpeas).
Why is it good for IBS?
The packaged hummus without lemon juice or citric acid is good for building alternative meals for (us) people with IBS. You can use it directly as a substitute for mayonnaise–no eggs, no oil. I use it with a 3 oz. can of tuna as a quick lunch, or put it on rice cakes to moisten the dry chew.
How would you use it?
Let me know how you do use, or would use, hummus. No reward this time, except that sending a comment will count toward “top commenter” recognition for September.