Next time you’re having a party, it’s a pretty good bet you’ll be serving some crackers and hummus. As we noted last week, hummus has grown from its niche as a Mediterranean cultural offering to become a globally in-demand superfood. But aside from the shakeup in the food world, we often find ourselves considering a much more practical question: is the word spelled “hummus” or “houmous?” After all, you’d want to know whether it’s hummus or houmous when you’re creating your party invites!
One thing off the bat, however… since there are so many interpretations of the word spelling and pronunciation, you’re actually fine to shoot from the hip! Whether you use hummus or houmous or any other variation, people will know what you mean—and if they’re our type of people, they will come running!
Usage Guidelines: Hummus or Houmous?
“Hummus” is the most common spelling used worldwide, and it is usually the first entry listed in US English dictionaries. Some dictionaries include variant spellings such as humus, hommus, and hommos. The word “houmous” is the most popular of these variants, especially in British English, but it is still listed in UK dictionaries as a less common spelling.
So while you can’t go wrong with either hummus or houmous, hummus is by far the most popular spelling. That said, there could be some deeper reasoning at play. When considering whether to write hummus or houmous, many people choose “houmous” because it connotes a more Arabic pronunciation of the word—so if you are hoping to stress the Mediterranean origins of our favorite dip, then you may want to opt for houmous. Or you can just say you’re serving “delicious appetizers” and skip the whole debacle!
Some Hummus or Houmous Ideas for Your Party!
Okay, so you’ve got your invites written up, and you’ve chosen to spell hummus or houmous according to your preference… so what are you going to serve your guests? Thankfully, you’re not on your own there. At HOPE Hummus, we’ve been hard at work in our kitchen, creating delicious recipes that will wow your guests, and that will make them forget whether you said it was hummus or houmous or YUM-mus! Additionally, our amazing foodie community on Instagram is always crafting new recipes with amazing flavor and that “Wow” factor you want at your party!
Try one of these “hummus or houmous” winners at your next shindig and watch your guests fall in love!
Thai Chickpea Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
This creative and delicious dish combines baked sweet potatoes, whole chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy sauce made out of Thai Coconut Curry hummus! Great for your serving bowl.
Looking for a quick and easy app idea? Well look no further! This simple combination of cherry tomato, kalamata olives, fresh basil, and balsamic glaze on baguette slices is perfected with warm and mellow Black Garlic flavor. Hummus or houmous indeed!
Lettuce Wrap Turkey Burger by @fit_n_clean_mama
Another simple treat, this tasty and healthy turkey burger combines avocado, tomato, a turkey patty, and Jalapeño Cilantro hummus in a lettuce bun! A perfect slider idea for your guests.
Whether you’re planning a 4th of July party or an all-American game day party, you can’t go wrong with this American flag platter made of red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, cauliflower, blue corn chips—and for your hummus or houmous? Zesty Jalapeño Red!
Want more ideas? Get hip to our tasty recipes and our Instagram page… and whether your invite says hummus or houmous, you’ll have a bunch of happy guests on your hands.
As always, cheers and happy eating!
