A portion of hummus will never let you down

As a city, which is home to individuals from more than 200 nationalities, local food in Dubai is an amalgamation of global flavours. From Chinese to Indian and African to Vietnamese, you can sample cuisines from across the world here. However, there is one dish that transcends all boundaries and unites us all - the inimitable
hummus. Yes, hummus isn't just a food item; it's a way of life. As we prep for the Holy Month, we pay a tribute to the humble, delectable dish. The dish is going to grab a prominent spot on the Iftar spreads and we couldn't be happier.
As a Dubai kid, I think I can safely say that hummus was the first food I fell in love with. I have been spreading it on toasted kuboos for as long as I can remember. It is also one of the staple dishes I order when dining out. Whether it's plain or topped with pine nut or chicken, ordering hummus is mandatory.
A spoonful of the creamy, zesty, wholesome hummus melts in your mouth, leaving a flavourful aftertaste and is also a perfect appetiser. It is almost always the first item you think of when hunger strikes followed by fattoush or shawarma. Whether it's a healthy snack you crave or are looking to warm up your appetite before indulging in a mixed grill feast, hummus will never let you down. Dubai has some of the best versions of this delicacy that can be devoured at every corner of the city.
The beauty of the dish lies in its simplicity. It is made up of puréed and cooked chickpeas, tahini, hint of garlic, olive oil, salt, and a dash of lemon. Today, the palette of hummus and its appeal has widened and many different flavours of the flawless dish have cropped up. Fortunately, most experiments have resulted in tasty results. From roasted red pepper to sun-dried tomato, it has evolved with few unconventional options.
One of the most popular variations is the beetroot hummus. The dish adds a vibrant pop of colour to the table and is a delight for Instagrammers. This gorgeous pink dip has a sweet flavour and its creamy texture makes it the perfect dip. 
Plus, it's low in calories, hence a great, healthy snack choice. Harper's Bazaar Café (043421344), City Walk, serves up a delicious and pretty version of this pink hummus that can be enjoyed with vegetable crudités and rice and quinoa crackers. Another variation that is currently trending is the green basil version. This simple, green hummus is a great choice for summer as the basil offers a fresh flavour and is light on the tummy. Hala Lebanese Organic (043231063), Dubai World Trade Centre, offers a delish Hummus Pesto that has a lovely, light
green colour and an amazing taste.
If your taste buds crave spices, then opt for red pepper hummus, which wears an orange hue and is a great way to add an extra zing to the dish. The peppers add a smoky sweetness to it. You can sample the creamy, smoky, spicy and slightly sweet version at Falafel Farm (0507537826), Business Bay.
But, if you are not in a mood to experiment and crave classic taste, head to Al Mallah (043984962) Satwa, which has earned the reputation of being one of the city's best Lebanese joints. Their classic hummus is deliciously creamy and can be had any time of the day. Plus, their Hommos Beiruti that comes with parsley and garlic is slightly spicy and is a perfect, healthy lunch option. 
deepa@khaleejtimes.com
(Deepa is a proud geek and an unabashed Harry Potter fan)
 

• Food and Dining