Monday, November 28, 2005
Hummus, music to my belly
Classic hummus? Is that meant to imply that new-age hummus is an option? If so, does it come with Zen beads or perhaps a loverman candle for my lonely heart? I tried to decide what variety of hummus to take home and make into a tasty dinner in a room filled with do-wop music and tried to keep in mind that “classic” hummus was probably the best selection for the mainstream Frankie Lymon-filled evening in store for me.
I’m not one to shake things up by combining an edgy, roasted red pepper hummus with a night of dancing on the Sly. No, no. I prefer to save the controversial hummus for the days when I have some of The Clash on my mind. Likewise, when I’m in the mood for JT, I seek out a smooth, relaxing clear flavored homemade hummus. If I plan on throwing on Steamroller, I try to throw in a little basil as well.
As I stare down the Isle of Options, I change it all: to Funk. I grab the Extra Garlic and turn my cd player on to Musicology and jam to myself all the way home.
In this strict definition of what hummus best accompanies which song, how can we possible explain sampling? What about the ever-popular Mash-up? Perhaps layered hummus is the only answer. Regardless, I throw my classical view of hummus to the wind and dive into some hummus that may make my breath more funky than Prince ever could.
I’m not one to shake things up by combining an edgy, roasted red pepper hummus with a night of dancing on the Sly. No, no. I prefer to save the controversial hummus for the days when I have some of The Clash on my mind. Likewise, when I’m in the mood for JT, I seek out a smooth, relaxing clear flavored homemade hummus. If I plan on throwing on Steamroller, I try to throw in a little basil as well.
As I stare down the Isle of Options, I change it all: to Funk. I grab the Extra Garlic and turn my cd player on to Musicology and jam to myself all the way home.
In this strict definition of what hummus best accompanies which song, how can we possible explain sampling? What about the ever-popular Mash-up? Perhaps layered hummus is the only answer. Regardless, I throw my classical view of hummus to the wind and dive into some hummus that may make my breath more funky than Prince ever could.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Have we forgotten the soy bean? the overlooked friend of hummus
Please ask yourself? When you think of hummus, do you think of soy? Until today, I didn't. Well, in the most unlikely place, I found the most unlikely hummus: edamame hummus.
An interesting innovation on the standard chick pea (inspirational bean that it is) variety, this was offered as a special feature at the Duck & Dumpling, Raleigh's posh asian spot for tasty tofu by another name. The atmosphere and wine list belied the unbelievable find that this hummus (when ordered spicy) would bring. I imagined the combination of tahini, lemon, olive oil, wasabi and edamame with the freshest cucumbers since Eastern Market Sunday would be tasty and interesting, but never like this. This, being a smooth, lighter, but crisp with clear flavors and heavenly taro root chips. Although not classic by any means, the next time you think to yourself: how can I experiment with hummus (as so many often do, I'm sure)? Think outside the garbonzo and look to the bean. Let us all come together and spread the love to the pinto, soy, kidney and black beans. How about some hummus with soul? Let's make us up some black eyed pea hummus!
An interesting innovation on the standard chick pea (inspirational bean that it is) variety, this was offered as a special feature at the Duck & Dumpling, Raleigh's posh asian spot for tasty tofu by another name. The atmosphere and wine list belied the unbelievable find that this hummus (when ordered spicy) would bring. I imagined the combination of tahini, lemon, olive oil, wasabi and edamame with the freshest cucumbers since Eastern Market Sunday would be tasty and interesting, but never like this. This, being a smooth, lighter, but crisp with clear flavors and heavenly taro root chips. Although not classic by any means, the next time you think to yourself: how can I experiment with hummus (as so many often do, I'm sure)? Think outside the garbonzo and look to the bean. Let us all come together and spread the love to the pinto, soy, kidney and black beans. How about some hummus with soul? Let's make us up some black eyed pea hummus!
The holy grail? Searching for tasty hummus.
As I begin this quest of epic proportions and search for the essentially unfindable, I must ask myself: does anyone really know what good hummus is? Does anybody really care...about hummus? The question blazing in my taste buds is where can I find a hummus so crisp, so creamy, so fresh and full of "spices" that I would be compelled to grab the recipe and run.
My search begins in our nation's capitol, Washington, DC the place where Mediterranean tapas restaurants abound and there is one, respectible falafel joint. A great place to begin as the ethnic food community in DC is every-expanding and changing to fit the interns, outcastes and administration. Is it a french bistro owned by bulgarians? Perhaps a indian, now thai (only if the name is Thai Me Up or similar). But what does it all mean as the coconut milk curries give way to the apple and raison sauteed spinaches and lamb, lamb, lamb? It is the question I plan to answer in my travels, trials and tribulations...
...in search of the perfect hummus.
My search begins in our nation's capitol, Washington, DC the place where Mediterranean tapas restaurants abound and there is one, respectible falafel joint. A great place to begin as the ethnic food community in DC is every-expanding and changing to fit the interns, outcastes and administration. Is it a french bistro owned by bulgarians? Perhaps a indian, now thai (only if the name is Thai Me Up or similar). But what does it all mean as the coconut milk curries give way to the apple and raison sauteed spinaches and lamb, lamb, lamb? It is the question I plan to answer in my travels, trials and tribulations...
...in search of the perfect hummus.
