Different ingredients and spices are used to make different sorts of food. Various cuisines have emerged in recent times, as have new cooking techniques. As a result of the innovation, there are some food or recipes which have been introduced that taste great with dips and spreads. Hummus and Tahini are two important spreads or dips that enhance the flavor and appearance of the food. Although they look a bit similar they are very distinct from one another and how is that? Let us find out.
Hummus vs Tahini
The main difference between Hummus and Tahini is that Hummus, a Middle Eastern creamy dip, has an image of being a clean, healthful cuisine. In most classic varieties of Hummus, chickpeas, Tahini, garlic, and olive oil are the main ingredients. It has a nutty and sweet flavor. On the other hand, Tahini a renowned Middle Eastern and Mediterranean recipe is made primarily with sesame seeds, oils, and occasionally salt. It has a salty and bitter flavor.
Hummus is a dip prepared with Tahini, chickpea, olive oil, lime juice, and garlic that is commonly served with flatbread or other bread. Although Hummus is a Levantine Arab cuisine, it has been transformed with distinctive twists; some Hummus varieties contain red pepper or caramelized onions. Overall, Hummus is a nutritious and delicious condiment that can be found in stores and restaurants, fast food, etc.
Tahini is a paste prepared from crushed sesame seeds that are flexible enough to be used in a variety of recipes as an addition or as a stand-alone meal. Together with chickpeas, Tahini is the second most significant component in Hummus. Tahini is a fantastic accompaniment to any food, from bread to fruit. Nutty, thick, and savory, high-quality Tahini, especially the type you’d find in a genuine restaurant, may help give a delightful flavor to a variety of recipes.
Comparison Table Between Hummus and Tahini
| Parameters of Comparison | Hummus | Tahini |
| Definition | Hummus is a chickpea-based paste with Tahini, garlic, and olive oil. | Tahini is a sesame seed paste formed from pulverized seeds. |
| Ingredients used | Chickpeas, olive oil, Tahini, garlic, and lime juice | Sesame seeds and oil |
| Taste | Tastes like umami with a hint of garlic. | It has an earthy, nutty, and slightly bitter taste |
| Thickness | Less thick than Tahini | Thicker than Humus |
| Texture | Creamy | Thick |
What is Hummus?
Hummus is a creamy paste or dip made with Tahini and crushed chickpeas. Its origins can be traced back to Middle Eastern food culture. It’s commonly served as a spread with pita bread in Middle Eastern culinary traditions.
Origin of Hummus: Hummus was first mentioned in Egypt in the 13th century, according to many historical documents. Chickpeas were plentiful in the Middle East, where they are still widely consumed. In reality, the Arabic word Hummus implies chickpea. In the 13th century, historical sources describe a dish that was quite identical to the Hummus we consume today that was enjoyed in Cairo. Although it is shown related to many cultures and civilizations, that doesn’t stop other areas from claiming Hummus as theirs.
Best Flavor of Hummus: Hummus is one of the tastiest and most popular dishes to have; it enhances the taste of our foods. But there are various varieties of Hummus available in the market and it is difficult to choose among them. Therefore, we have listed three flavors of Hummus that are popular among foodies.
1. Roasted red pepper Hummus: It is popular among customers since it is rich and creamy, with a hint of smokiness.
2. Roasted garlic Hummus: Since it provides so much of the delicious toasted taste before it even hits the grill, roasted garlic Hummus is excellent over toasted flatbread.
3. Classic Hummus: Chickpeas, Tahini, lime juice, garlic, oil, salt, and black pepper are the only ingredients in most basic Hummus recipes. Hummus is a tasty appetizer that goes well with pita bread, veggies, or everything else you can think of.
Health Benefits of Hummus: Hummus not only enhance the taste of our food but also contains numerous health benefits, such as:
- Hummus has a lot of vitamins and nutrients in it. It’s also a good provider of plant-based protein, making it a healthy choice for those who prefer to stay away from non-veg.
- Chickpeas, olive oil, and sesame seeds are all anti-inflammatory ingredients included in Hummus.
- Hummus is high in fiber, which might help to fight digestive problems and help body metabolism. Chickpea fiber may also encourage the growth of beneficial gut bacteria that create butyrate, a fatty acid that aids sustain gut tissues.
What is Tahini?
In Middle Eastern and Mediterranean culture, Tahini is a prominent condiment. Sesame seeds are the major component of Tahini. For this dish, you can use either toasted or fresh seeds. It has the same thick, greasy mouth feel as organic peanut butter.
Origin of Tahini: Tahini has been mentioned as long back as the 13th century when it was referred to as sesame spread. It first appeared in health food outlets in the United States in the 1940s. Tahini, a paste made from roasted crushed sesame seeds, originated in Persia, where it was known as “ardeh.” It then proceeded to Israel. Only the elite and the rich could get their hands on the materials to produce Tahini for millennia. Tahini was once utilized as a form of payment in several communities.
Best Flavor Tahini: There are numerous varieties of Tahini to choose from and it’s not possible to taste every flavor. Therefore, we have the 3 best Tahini flavors that are liked by many, these flavor includes:
1. USDA Organic Pure Sesame Seeds Paste: Sesame seeds cultivated organically are managed and prepared by the NOP’s guidelines. And these high-quality seeds are used to make Organic Pure Sesame seeds paste.
2. Soom Foods Pure Ground Sesame Tahini: Crafted with Ethiopian White Humera sesame seeds, Soom Foods Pure Ground Sesame Tahini has a tasty, healthful, and velvety soft texture. It contains Omega 6 Fatty Acids, Rich in Proteins, fewer Carbohydrates, which makes it a healthy food option.
3. Okka Organic Ground Sesame Tahini: It’s a key component in Middle Eastern food and dishes like Hummus. OKKA Tahini is well-combined to provide a consistent smoothness overall.
Health Benefits of Tahini: Apart from its taste, Tahini is also very beneficial to our health, some of its health benefits are listed below:
- Tahini is packed with essential nutrients. It’s also high in anti-inflammatory monounsaturated fats.
- It contains chemicals that may have cancer-fighting potential.
- Tahini is manufactured from sesame seeds, which include chemicals that may help preserve your liver and kidneys.
Main Differences Between Hummus and Tahini
1. Hummus is usually eaten cold, but Tahini is usually served warm with olive oil, garlic, and lime juice or used in culinary, such as salad dressings.
2. Hummus has a creamier consistency than Tahini due to the addition of milk or cream to the ingredients, whereas Tahini is considerably thicker and firmer.
3. Hummus is usually eaten chilled while Tahini can be consumed fresh with a sauce or dressing.
4. Hummus was introduced in the 13th century while Tahini was introduced in the year the 1940s.
5. The color of Humus can be brown or black whereas the color of Tahini is usually light brown.
Conclusion
Hummus and Tahini are both legume-based condiments, Hummus is prepared from chickpeas, green beans, or lentils while Tahini is prepared from sesame seeds. These two dips or spreads are high in proteins, vitamins, and other minerals that aid in our overall health.
Even though they are both products of the same type, they have distinct flavors, aromas, textures, and health advantages that set them apart. We’ve seen the health benefits of Hummus and Tahini, so if you’re considering incorporating these healthy spreads into your diet, then you’re making a wise decision.
References
- https://www.mdpi.com/906042
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0023643819312277