Can Babies Eat Hummus?
Hummus, himmas or himmis, are Arabic words, meaning chickpeas. Hummus is a dip, spread, or a savory dish made from cooked and mashed chickpeas, mixed with tahini, lemon juice and garlic. There are many theories regarding the origins of hummus, but the fact is, that it is a dish popular in the Middle East and in the Mediterranean. The first written hummus recipes are recorded in Egyptian cookbooks from the 13th century.
Hummus is served as an appetizer and dip in restaurants being accompanied by flatbread like pita, or by tortilla chips or crackers. It is often served with falafel, eggplant, grilled chicken or fish.
Chickpeas are the main ingredient of hummus, and therefore this dip or dish offers the nutrients of its main element, being high in dietary fibers, protein, manganese, vitamin B6. It also has fats, thanks to the tahini. Hummus can have other nutrients as well, depending on the recipe according to which it is prepared.
Can Babies Eat Hummus?
You can introduce bland hummus to your baby’s diet at the age of 6 months, once you start introducing solid foods. It is important that you only give bland hummus, which consists of chickpeas and olive oil, blended without the tahini, salt or other spices, so that your baby can digest it. Salt is not recommended at this early stage.
Can Babies Be Allergic to Hummus?
There is always a slight chance for babies to have allergic reactions to any food, but bland hummus should not represent a problem. Skin rashes and inflammations are slight reaction you may observe. The salt and spices from traditional hummus should be avoided in baby foods.
Basic Hummus
Ingredients: 1 can chickpeas, 2 tbsp tahini, 2-3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 peeled and crushed garlic cloves, 2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil.
Drain the chickpeas and mix all the ingredients in a food processor. Blend them on a low speed for several minutes until it is nice and creamy. Play with the ingredients, if the texture of the hummus is too thick, just add extra olive oil. Serve at room temperature.
FAQ
What is hummus?
Hummus is a dip, spread, or a savory dish made from cooked and mashed chickpeas, mixed with tahini, lemon juice and garlic.
How healthy is hummus?
Chickpeas are the main ingredient of hummus, and therefore this dip or dish offers the nutrients of this main element, being high in dietary fibers, protein, manganese, vitamin B6. It also has fats, thanks to the tahini. Hummus can have other nutrients as well, depending on the recipe according to which it is prepared.
When can you start giving hummus to your baby?
You can introduce bland hummus to your baby’s diet at the age of 6 months, once you start introducing solid foods. It is important that you only give bland hummus, which consists of chickpeas and olive oil, blended without the tahini, salt or other spices, so that your baby can digest it. Salt is not recommended at this early stage.
The risks of giving hummus to your baby?
There is always a slight chance for babies to have allergic reactions to any food, but bland hummus should not represent a problem. Skin rashes and inflammations are slight reaction you may observe. The salt and spices from traditional hummus should be avoided in baby foods.
