Right after Superbowl 2008 (yay, Giants!), I read an article that claimed chips and dip were being replaced by chummos as the snack food of the year. Americans, growing more aware of healthier eating as well as developing a growing openness to international foods, have sparked a chummos renaissance. It is a fiber-rich snack, but be careful — some store-bought versions are very high in fat and preservatives. This homemade version serves up all the good stuff, while keeping the fats to a minimum. Be sure to make extra chummos; it makes a great lunchbox snack with baby carrots or pretzels.

The benefits of beans, such as chickpeas, can’t be emphasized enough. Add that to the iron and blood-glucose-lowering effect of cumin and you’ve got a recipe for good health! Dip with ease at this tasty favorite for all ages. Although chummos is found in many supermarkets today, it’s a dish that’s so easy to make at home.