There are specific issues I’ll at all times desire to make at residence—guacamole, pizza dough, pizza sauce… actually, most sauces. Hummus is firmly on that checklist. I’ve tried to love the store-bought variations, however they at all times style somewhat off—too plastic-y, too acidic, or simply weirdly flat. They go dangerous rapidly, lack taste, and don’t come near the contemporary stuff.
And that’s a disgrace, as a result of I like hummus. I’m consistently craving one thing Mediterranean-adjacent: tomatoes, cucumbers, crimson onion, feta, and an enormous dollop of hummus to tie all of it collectively. At eating places, it’s all I need. However at residence, until I’m making it myself, I normally skip it.
Nonetheless, I just lately obtained my arms on the brand new collaboration between Graza Olive Oil and Ithaca Hummus. Their Olive Oil & Sea Salt Hummus simply launched in shops, and I figured it was time to set my store-bought bias apart (at the very least for a style). I additionally sampled a few Ithaca’s different flavors (French Onion and Lemon Garlic) to get the complete image.
As a substitute of simply attempting a bit, I absolutely dedicated, including hummus to simply about every part I ate for every week. (I briefly thought of turning this into an “I ate hummus with each meal for every week” story, however then I obtained to pizza and referred to as it.) TL;DR: As somebody who’s lengthy hated store-bought hummus, I used to be stunned at how a lot I favored this. I’d purchase it once more, willingly.
Photograph by Graza x Ithaca
What’s Graza?
You’ve in all probability seen Graza’s playful squeeze bottles within the olive oil aisle at Complete Meals or scrolling Instagram. They’re the model behind Drizzle and Sizzle—two 100% Spanish olive oils made for ending and cooking, respectively. Just lately, they added Fizzle to the combination, designed for high-heat cooking.
Their vibe is straightforward: pure, uncut olive oil that’s truly reasonably priced. Not your $5 bottom-shelf thriller mix, and never your $50 artisan bottle you’re scared to open. Simply actually good oil from one area, at a worth that is smart.
Graza’s additionally identified for his or her enjoyable collabs, from olive oil ice cream to this newest one with Ithaca hummus.
What’s Ithaca Hummus?
This was a new-to-me model, although I’ve undoubtedly walked previous it earlier than. Ithaca has that very same contemporary, daring, barely rebellious vitality that Graza does. They’re centered on taste, high quality components, and chef-level style.
Founder Chris Kirby is a former chef who began Ithaca in 2013, making small batches in a commissary kitchen. Right now, they’re bought in over 8,000 retailers and identified for unconventional flavors like Lemon Dill, The whole lot Bagel, and French Onion (my sleeper favourite from this style take a look at).
Photograph by Ithaca Hummus
My Trustworthy Ideas on the Graza x Ithaca Olive Oil & Sea Salt Hummus
I’ll minimize to it: I favored this hummus. It was creamy, clean-tasting, and didn’t have that bizarre store-bought aftertaste that normally turns me off. I completed the small tub in simply a few days and never as a result of I felt obligated (although I used to be committing to the take a look at).
It’s delicate, however in a manner that works. The olive oil taste is there, refined however clean, and the ocean salt might’ve been a contact punchier for my salt-fiend palate, however general it felt contemporary and versatile (I simply love including flaky salt to every part).
Shock MVP use? Tossing it into my typical Dealer Joe’s lemon arugula salad. I usually go for a grain bowl, however this added creaminess and made it really feel somewhat extra like a restaurant meal.
Now, is it higher than selfmade or one thing you’d get at mezze spot? In all probability not. However for store-bought? That is simply my high decide. And for weeks once I don’t have time or need (which is most) to fireside up the meals processor, I’ll be shopping for it once more.
I additionally tried Ithaca’s Lemon Garlic and French Onion flavors, and people is likely to be my favourite flavored choices. They’re particularly nice for those who’re extra into some daring chip dips. However there’s one thing good about maintaining a traditional readily available and dressing it up as you please.
The place to Purchase It
The Graza x Ithaca Olive Oil & Sea Salt Hummus is accessible now at Complete Meals shops nationwide. You can too use Ithaca’s retailer locator to seek out it close to you. A ten-ounce tub is $6.99.
It’s not a restricted run (but), so that you’ve obtained time to make it a summer season mezze staple.
10 Recipe Concepts to Eat With Hummus
Whether or not you’re scooping or spreading, listed below are ten straightforward methods to construct meals round this hummus:
1. Heat farro bowl
Add roasted candy potato, kale, and lemony tahini drizzle.
2. Selfmade pita
Okay, store-bought works too, however heat it within the oven first.
3. Mediterranean bowl
Chickpeas, tomato, cucumber, olives, feta, and herbs.
4. Tacos
Swap in hummus as the bottom as an alternative of bitter cream or crema.
5. Grilled lamb
Function a dip or unfold alongside.
6. Open-faced sandwich
Attempt it on sourdough with arugula and pickled onions.
7. Roasted veggie wrap
Zucchini, crimson pepper, and hummus in a heat tortilla.
8. Tender-boiled egg toast
High with hummus and chili crisp.
9. Snack plate
Cheese, crackers, olives, nuts, and an enormous scoop of the hummus. Including this potato recipe particularly that I like.
10. Crudité board
Cucumber, radish, carrot, and endive are nice pairings.
Do you’ve got a favourite store-bought hummus or go-to hummus recipe? Let me know so I can strive! Or every other collaborations you are eying?
