What is the full Arabic name of the prepared hummus spread?

The full Arabic name of the prepared hummus spread is hummus bi tahini. The phrase means roughly “chickpeas with tahini,” distinguishing the finished dish from hummus, the Arabic word for chickpeas themselves.

Hummus bi tahini is a Levantine spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, a paste of ground sesame seeds. Lemon juice, garlic, salt, and water are commonly added, although proportions and seasonings vary by region and household.

The dish is traditionally served cold or at room temperature, often as part of a meze with pita bread. It may be spread across a plate and finished with olive oil, whole chickpeas, parsley, or paprika.

Hummus has a long history in Egypt and the Levant, but its exact birthplace is disputed. The earliest known written recipe resembling hummus comes from a 13th-century Syrian cookbook. Tabbouleh, ful medames, and baba ghanoush are neighboring dishes, not alternative names for hummus bi tahini.