The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Via Micadeli

Greetings, Dish of the Week readers. We’re back with another week and a new dish. Hummus dip: a creamy, buttery wholesome dip that can either be bland or tasty depending on the spices, oils, and toppings you add. Just like some days can be boring or uneventful, a hummus dip can be the same if left unseasoned. Of course, you can add some delicious toppings, just what we need to make the work week a bit more fun and exciting. For example, this week, one of our colleagues had their birthday in the office, and we also had a fun interview with a guest, Minime, who makes delicious mini doughnuts. We also said goodbye to one of our long-term colleagues and wished them good luck with their new adventure. These simple but fun events can turn a mundane work week around and make it much more memorable. Similarly, olive oil, paprika, cumin, and even shawarma bits can take a hummus dip to another level. 

Originating around the Mediterranean and Middle East, this chickpea-based delicacy has been enjoyed by people worldwide for hundreds of years. The term ‘hummus’ directly translates to ‘chickpea’ in Arabic, where the dip got its name, as chickpeas are the main ingredient. There are many recipe variations for hummus, and these toppings make this traditional dip nothing short of creamy, tasty perfection on a dish. It is a central component of many Middle Eastern cooking techniques, especially in Turkish, Syrian, Lebanese, and Egyptian cuisines. Still, many countries, like the US and UK, have added it to their dip list.

The life lesson we can learn from this plain chickpea dip is that some things may seem mundane, dull, or even monotonous, but that is not necessarily true. If we look beyond the first impression of anything, whether it be a work week, a plain dress, or an odd ingredient, we can always find creative, simple ways to jazz them up. With a basic dress, accessories and colourful shoes can turn the outfit around. In a tiresome work week, going out for a nice meal with friends or going to the movies can also positively affect the otherwise dull week. The same goes with any cooking ingredient like hummus or plain yoghurt; once you add spices, herbs, and toppings, these dips become unbelievably delicious. So let’s always look on the bright side and go through life with a glass-half-full attitude, because those small things we do daily can improve our whole life experience if we put our mind to it.