The main ingredient in traditional hummus is chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans. This nutritious legume is cooked until tender and then blended with ingredients like tahini (sesame paste), olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt to create a creamy dip or spread. Hummus is a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine and is enjoyed around the world for its flavor and health benefits, being high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Variations of hummus may include additional ingredients like roasted red peppers, herbs, or spices, but chickpeas remain the core component.