Israel recaptures hummus record

Israel recaptured the world record for making the largest plate of hummus, nearly doubling a record set in Lebanon less than three months ago. About 50 Arab and Jewish chefs in the Israeli-Arab town of Abu Gosh prepared more than 8,800 lb. of the traditional Middle East spread.

The recipe included 2 1/2 tons of chickpeas, 1 1/2 tons of sesame paste and hundreds of freshsqueezed lemons, as well as crushed garlic and olive oil. The finished product was displayed on a huge dish—a satellite dish nearly 20 feet in diameter.

The Lebanese record of about 4,500 lb. set in late October broke an Israeli record.

Lebanon claims ownership of hummus, a traditional Middle Eastern dish, and accuses Israel of stealing the product and marketing it as Israeli, according to reports. Its exact origin is unknown, though presumed to be Arab. (JTA)