Medieval hummus. Now I have heard of everything!

Well, as much as I love hummus, I may have actually found a version that I love even more. This medieval hummus was originally called himmas kassa in 14th-century Egypt, and it is so rustic, nutty and full of spices that it makes this different from any hummus you think you know.

The word himmas actually translates to chickpeas, which were a major staple in both everyday cooking for formal banquets back in medieval Arab kitchens. Historians report that civilizations were cultivating chickpeas as far back as 7000 BCE in what is now known as Turkiye and Syria. By the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans, chickpeas were widely consumed and were popular with both civilians and soldiers alike (who used them as a protein-packed snack).

In the Middle East, hummus recipes were often paired with tahini, herbs and spices. This version is unique in that it also contains walnuts, caraway, cinnamon, lemon and vinegar. Think of this as is your ordinary hummus' sophisticated European cousin.

This recipe is an interesting way to take your average hummus up a notch. Seriously, try it. Best drizzled with a really good extra-virgin olive oil and dipped with pita chips and red pepper slices.

Medieval Hummus (Himmas Kassa):

• 1 cup boiled chickpeas

• 2 tbsp. tahini, stirred with 2 tbsp. water and 2 tbsp. wine vinegar

• ¼ cup finely ground walnut stirred with 2 tbsp. lemon juice and 1 tsp. wine vinegar

• ½ cup chopped parsley

• ¼ cup chopped mint

• 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

• ¼ tsp. each of caraway coriander, black pepper, ginger and cinnamon, all crushed

• ½ tsp. sea salt

• For garnish: olive oil, olives, chopped pistachios

• Flatbread, for serving

1. Mash the boiled chickpeas in a mixing bowl until they form a coarse paste

2. Stir in the tahini mixture and the walnut mixture until combined

3. Fold in the parsley, mint, olive oil and spices. Taste and adjust salt as needed

4. Transfer to a shallow serving dish. Garnish with olive oil, olives, and pistachios

5. Serve with flatbread

Hummus made the old-fashioned way.

(Source: Medieval Hummus Recipe: One of the First Recorded Recipes – Himmas Kassa – Eats History)