What legume is the principal ingredient in traditional hummus?

Chickpeas are the principal ingredient in traditional hummus.

Hummus is a thick Middle Eastern dip or spread made by blending cooked chickpeas with tahini, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil. Its Arabic name, ḥummuṣ, means “chickpeas,” directly reflecting its defining ingredient.

The dish is especially associated with the Levant, including Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and Jordan, although it is now eaten throughout the Mediterranean and worldwide. Recipes differ in the amount of tahini, lemon or garlic used, but chickpeas remain the core food.

Hummus is sometimes confused with other bean-based dips. Ful medames, for example, is a separate dish based mainly on fava beans, while baba ghanoush is made from eggplant. Hummus is commonly served with pita, vegetables or as part of a mezze meal.