Hummus al Sham has the potential to revolutionize the food industry, particularly in the context of the growing trend of mocktails in recent years. Drawing parallels with a non-alcoholic Bloody Mary, this unique beverage offers a distinctive cultural twist that could captivate a diverse audience. Its introduction could contribute to the expanding array of non-alcoholic options, catering to those who seek flavorful alternatives without the inclusion of alcohol.
Reflecting on my personal experience at Khan El Kheli, the lively open-air bazaar in Egypt, I vividly recall the vibrant atmosphere filled with local artisans and vendors. It was within this bustling setting that I first encountered Hummus al Sham. Seated on a large red rug, I immersed myself in the experience of savoring this halal cocktail—which tasted like a virgin Egyptian Bloody Mary .
What is Hummas al Sham?
Hummus al Sham is a popular winter drink in Egypt made with chickpeas, tomatoes, garlic, onions and spices. While this concoction is one of the primary ways Egyptians incorporate chickpeas into their cuisine, it’s interesting to note that falafel (chickpea style) isn’t widely popular in Egypt, instead they eat Ta’ameya using fava beans. Contrary to what one might expect, neither is hummus dip commonly eaten in the country.
Here’s the best hummas al sham recipe!
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Recipe
If you need a visual on how I made the hummas al sham, check out my video below!
Time: 1 hour plus soaking chickpeas overnight
Ingredients:
- 8-10 oz of dried Chickpeas
- 2 Small Tomatoes
- Half a small onion
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 a Jalapeño Pepper (optional)
- 1 Chicken Bouillon
- 1 tbsp of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 whole lemon’s Juice
- 1 lemon
- 1 lime
Directions:
- Wash chickpeas and soak the chickpeas for 10-15 hours. You might need to add more water or change it out during the this period if your water gets low. Once ready, drain the water.
- Slice lemons. Add chickpeas, salt to taste and lemon slices into a large pot. (Depending on your liking for garlic, you can add the whole cloves here for a light and infused garlic taste. If you like a lot of garlic like my family, then add it in step 3). Then cover the chickpeas with water. It should be an inch above the chickpeas. Simmer for 20-30mins.
- Add tomatoes, onion, jalapeño pepper, bouillon, cumin and chili powder, salt to taste, lemon juice, and a cup of water in a blender or food processor. (You can add the garlic in this step if you like an intense garlic flavor, like my family)
- After chickpeas have simmered for 20-30 mins, add the veggie and seasoning concoction to the chickpea pot. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
- Add chickpeas and broth into a glass. Enjoy!
Hummas al Sham
Ingredients
- 8-10 oz Dried Chickpeas You will need to soak these chickpeas overnight. Replace water if needed.
- 2 Small Tomatoes
- 1/2 Onion
- 3-4 Cloves of Garlic Adjust based on your liking to garlic
- 1/2 Jalapeño Pepper
- 1 Chicken Bouillon
- 1 tbsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 1 Whole Lemon Juice
- 1 Lime/lemon Cut in wedges for extra flavor
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash chickpeas and soak the chickpeas for 10-15 hours. You might need to add more water or change it out during the this period if your water gets low. Once ready, drain the water.
- Slice lemons. Add chickpeas, salt to taste and lemon slices into a large pot. (Depending on your liking for garlic, you can add the whole cloves here for a light and infused garlic taste and remove it from the broth later on. If you like a lot of garlic like my family, then add it in step 3). Then cover the chickpeas with water. It should be an inch above the chickpeas. Simmer for 20-30mins.
- Add tomatoes, onion, jalapeño pepper, bouillon, cumin and chili powder, salt to taste, lemon juice, and a cup of water in a blender or food processor. (You can add the garlic in this step if you like an intense garlic flavor, like my family)
- After chickpeas have simmered for 20-30 mins, add the veggie and seasoning concoction to the chickpea pot. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
- Add chickpeas and broth into a glass. Enjoy!
If you are interested in trying another popular Egyptian dish take a look at my Aish Baladi recipe! Aish Baladi is an ancient Egyptian flatbread that translates to both “local bread’ and “the bread of life.”
