Falafel vs. Hummus: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Published on November 18, 2023
Falafel vs. Hummus: Falafel is a deep-fried ball made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, while hummus is a spread made from blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
Key Differences
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish consisting of deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans. In contrast, hummus is a creamy spread or dip made primarily from blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Falafel, due to its preparation, has a crispy exterior and a soft interior. Hummus, on the other hand, is smooth and spreadable, often garnished with olive oil, paprika, or whole chickpeas on top.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Falafel is often consumed in pita bread with vegetables and sauces, making it a primary dish or snack. Hummus, being a dip, is frequently served with bread, crackers, or fresh veggies as a side or appetizer.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
While both falafel and hummus primarily use chickpeas as a base ingredient, falafel often includes herbs, spices, and onions in its mixture. Hummus focuses on the creamy consistency brought by the combination of tahini, olive oil, and the chickpeas themselves.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 18, 2023
Both falafel and hummus have deep roots in Middle Eastern cuisine. They have been embraced worldwide due to their flavor and versatility, though their exact origins—be it Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, or other countries—are often debated.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 18, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Primary Ingredients
Ground chickpeas or fava beans, herbs, and spices.
Blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Consumption
Eaten in pita bread or as a snack.
Served as a dip with bread, crackers, or veggies.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 18, 2023
Origin
Middle Eastern cuisine, with debated specific origins.
Middle Eastern cuisine, with debated specific origins.
Janet White
Nov 18, 2023
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Falafel and Hummus Definitions
Falafel
A Middle Eastern dish made of deep-fried chickpea balls.
I ordered a falafel sandwich for lunch.
Huma Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
Hummus
A spread made from blended chickpeas and tahini.
I spread hummus on my toast for a savory breakfast.
Huma Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
Falafel
A spiced and fried ball often found in wraps or salads.
The salad came topped with falafel and tahini sauce.
Sara Rehman
Oct 31, 2023
Hummus
A creamy Middle Eastern dip often paired with bread.
The platter included pita and fresh hummus.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 31, 2023
Falafel
A deep-fried patty made from ground legumes, typically chickpeas.
The crispy falafel was a delightful contrast to the soft pita.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
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Hummus
A chickpea-based dish garnished with olive oil and spices.
I love to top my hummus with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
Falafel
A vegetarian food item popular in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Many vegetarians love falafel as a protein source.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
Hummus
A traditional dish made from pureed chickpeas.
Hummus has been a staple in Middle Eastern diets for centuries.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 31, 2023
Falafel
A flavorful deep-fried snack originating from the Middle East.
When visiting Israel, I enjoyed authentic falafel from street vendors.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
Hummus
A popular vegan spread with garlic and lemon flavors.
The vegan party had various flavors of hummus.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 31, 2023
Falafel
A mixture of ground spiced chickpeas or fava beans that is shaped into balls and deep-fried.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
Hummus
A smooth thick mixture of mashed chickpeas, tahini, oil, lemon juice, and garlic, used especially as a dip for pita.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
Hummus
A Levantine Arab dip made of chickpea paste with various additions, such as olive oil, fresh garlic, lemon juice, and tahini, often eaten with pitta bread, or as a meze.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
Hummus
A thick spread made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice and garlic; used especially as a dip for pita; originated in the Middle East
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
FAQs
How is hummus typically served?
Hummus is served as a dip or spread, often with bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What are the primary ingredients in hummus?
Hummus is made from blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and often olive oil.
Huma Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Can falafel be baked instead of fried?
Yes, while traditional falafel is deep-fried, it can also be baked for a healthier version.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 18, 2023
What is falafel made of?
Falafel is made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with herbs and spices, and then deep-fried.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Is falafel gluten-free?
Traditional falafel is gluten-free, but one should always check ingredients and preparation methods.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What gives hummus its tangy flavor?
The addition of lemon juice gives hummus its tangy flavor.
Janet White
Nov 18, 2023
How is falafel typically consumed?
Falafel is often eaten in pita bread with veggies and sauces or as a snack on its own.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 18, 2023
Can falafel be made with other legumes apart from chickpeas?
Yes, while chickpeas are most common, falafel can also be made with fava beans or a mixture of both.
Harlon Moss
Nov 18, 2023
Can hummus be used as a sandwich spread?
Absolutely, hummus is a popular choice for sandwich spreads due to its flavor and creamy texture.
Sara Rehman
Nov 18, 2023
What sauces are typically served with falafel?
Falafel is often served with tahini sauce, tzatziki, or hot sauces.
Sara Rehman
Nov 18, 2023
What gives hummus its creamy texture?
The combination of blended chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil gives hummus its creamy consistency.
Janet White
Nov 18, 2023
Which cuisine do falafel and hummus originate from?
Both falafel and hummus have origins in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Harlon Moss
Nov 18, 2023
What spices are typically used in falafel?
Falafel often includes spices like cumin, coriander, garlic, and parsley.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Are falafel and hummus high in calories?
While falafel is fried and can be higher in calories, hummus, when consumed in moderation, is a healthy option with good fats and protein.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Is hummus keto-friendly?
While hummus contains beneficial nutrients, it's relatively high in carbs, so it's consumed in moderation on a keto diet.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Is falafel considered a vegetarian dish?
Yes, falafel is typically vegetarian and often vegan as well.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Can hummus be made without tahini?
Yes, while tahini is a traditional ingredient, hummus can be made without it.
Harlon Moss
Nov 18, 2023
How long can hummus be stored in the refrigerator?
Hummus can typically be stored in the fridge for up to a week if kept in an airtight container.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Is hummus a good source of protein?
Yes, hummus is a decent source of plant-based protein due to its chickpea base.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 18, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
