Another war with Lebanon looms…

…but this time the only thing that’s going to be whistling through the air is plates of hummus or hot pitas. Oh yes, no need for tanks and Qassams with this one, though the intensity between Israel and Lebanon over regional cuisines is already reaching record-breaking fever.

Hummus is, of course, a very popular dish in Israel and can be found in almost as many spots as the legendary falafel. It’s one of the foods you have to try on your visit to Israel, though I’d advise you to pick and choose and listen to the locals if you really want to become an addict. I’ve known people refer to hummus as “slop” and subsequently sworn off it for life, because they ended up at a rank hummus joint.

It might not look that amazingly appetizing either, but the combination of mashed chickpeas, sesame paste, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic can often do things to your tastebuds that you never imagined…

Anyway, yesterday the Lebanese decided to declare hummus war on Israel. In an all out offensive to reclaim the world record for the largest hummus serving ever, 250 Lebanese chefs toiled over a hot stove(s) as Guinness representatives stood by and watched the two ton dip blossom.

And let’s not pretend the Lebanese weren’t taking this very seriously; slogans of “Come and fight for your bite, you know you’re right!” were the rage of the day as they sought to reclaim the record held by an Israeli company. The Lebanese have become very protective recently of what they see as Lebanese dishes being claimed as “Israeli”, including the mighty falafel, though I’m not sure Israel is claiming anything of the sort.

The event is already being described as “a patriotic event of national scale”. Later today that patriotic fever is set to explode as attempts are made to also secure the world record for the largest serving of tabbouleh (a salad dish of chopped parsley, bulgur, mint, tomato, spring onion, and other herbs and spices, with lemon juice and olive oil, which is usually served as an appetizer).

We say there are probably other things to get worked up about, but hey, if it’s a hummus war you’re after, Israel is probably going to come out guns a-blazing!